The Achik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) Khasi Hills Zone has lodged a complaint with East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Rosette Mary Kurbah alleging rampant illegal transportation of limestone and other illegalities in the Bholaganj-Majai area along the Indo-Bangladesh border.
The organisation highlighted discrepancies between government norms and regulations, particularly regarding the maximum load limit for limestone.
“While the office of the Directorate of Mineral Resources has set the load limit at 12 tons, local authorities including the Syiem and Myntri of Sohra Syiemship have been permitting the loading and transportation of 25-26 tons per vehicle, blatantly contravening government directives,” the AHAM said.
It also alleged that there was disparity in tax rates stating that while the government-fixed rate stands at Rs 200 per hundred per vehicle, the weighbridge levies have soared to an excessive Rs 1700 per hundred “amounting to clear abuse and infringement of government orders”.
The organisation also urged the Deputy Commissioner and relevant authorities to take appropriate and stringent action against those involved and also to immediately stop such “unfair and unlawful transportation of limestone”.
Copies of the complaint have also been sent to the Director of Mineral Resources and Sub-Divisional Officer of Sohra Civil Sub-Division.
