The East Khasi Hills District Magistrate has promulgated an order under Section 144 CrPC prohibiting illegal quarrying and mining where such unabated activities are taking place by any individual or party who has not obtained mining licence/quarry permit and other clearance certificates from the competent authority(s).
According to the order such illegalities are taking place on hill slopes and removal of sand from river-beds are taking place in various parts of the district, and specifically in Sohiong, Mawblei and Umphyrnai which has severely affected the water sources in the surrounding and adjoining areas.
The District Magistrate said indiscriminate quarrying and mining activities has led to the constant out-flow of stone, sand and other minerals into the rivers and down from the hill slopes which ultimately lead to destruction of vegetation on the slopes, damages the water sources and destroys aquatic life. Many rivers have become polluted due to stone and sand mining and as such, the water is no longer potable and is unfit for drinking purposes, etc.
