Shillong, Feb 4: The Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) has filed a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills alleging illegal extraction of stones and boulders from the Umngi River that has, it said, caused environmental degradation.
A viral video shows workers from Bhagya Traders, a private company, removing riverbed materials on a large scale. The company was entrusted with wall fencing and river protection works under the Umngi River project but is allegedly using this as a cover for unauthorised extraction.
Residents of Balat, Mawshaliah and nearby villages in Ranikor civil sub-division have protested against the company in the last few days. The villagers claim the extraction threatens their homes, as the river has washed away hundreds of houses since 2007 due to similar activities. The Dorbar Shnong has banned further quarrying and given the company a deadline to refill the extracted area. Villagers have appealed to local authorities to intervene and prevent disaster.
