The Achik Organisation for Social Welfare (AOSW) demanded the State government to take action against the owner of a stone quarry at Budugre, Chokpot that has threatened the existence of the flora and fauna of the area.
According to the AOSW, numerous trees have been cut down and the habitats of the tree-dwelling animals like the endangered monkeys called, Huro have been disturbed. “The natural beauty has been destroyed and the source of the Dareng river has been dumped with debris which has destroyed the area,” AOSW vice president, Tambu Sangma said.
He accused the Forest and Environment department of encouraging and supporting stone mining and said, the strictness in dealing with transportation of wood and bamboos through the highway and the PWD roads, is for selfish needs.
“We are witnessing with our bare eyes of how they support the stone miners operating from one of the most important to forest. The question arises as to why are they allowing them to operate and destroying the heart of the all living beings? Are they a part of the stone miners?” he questioned.
Sangma also said that if the District Forest Officer and the Wildlife Officer did not issue clearance certificate, how they are allowed to extract stones and sell timber from the mining site.
The organisation further demanded the concerned department to inquire if any license was issued to the mine owner and to strict action against those involved in mining of stones. It also urged people of Garo Hills to rise against destruction of the environment.
