Advocate Enlang Sawian has complained to the office of the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission against rampant unauthorised earth and land cutting in Mawsmai, Baridua, Khanapara and Maikhuli villages in Ri-Bhoi.
Sawian stated that although the residents of these affected villages had raised multiple complaints to the concerned authorities regarding these illegal actions there has never been legal action taken by the district administration.
Large-scale and indiscriminate unauthorised earthcutting has caused landslides, flash floods and erosion of soil and, in turn, led to the destruction of private property, houses, electricity poles, water pipelines, drainage systems, etc, Sawian said.
He added that the use of these heavy-duty machinery has also resulted in intense noise and air pollution and affected the villagers residing in these areas.
Informing that the said areas are also facing water scarcity due to the drying up of water sources caused by the illegal earth cutting, he said that residents are in great distress and facing hardship as they no longer have access to clean drinking water sources and are compelled to draw on water that is unfit for human consumption.
Furthermore, he said that it was also reported that children and the elderly are suffering from various health issues due to the constant exposure and inhaling of the excessive dust produced by earth cutting.
He urged the commission to take cognizance and steps as per the provision of law against persons indulging in this unauthorised earth cutting and to ensure that these illegal activities stop.
Stating that the right to health and to live in a clean environment is part of the fundamental rights and the people should not be deprived in the hands of some opportunist, he further urged that stringent action be imposed against any violators.
