The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has written to the state government to gain approval for ‘beat houses’ on state and national highways. This comes after the government demanded the council remove its toll gates on such roads as it exceeds the KHADC’s jurisdiction.
In the house today, Mylliem MDC Ronnie Lyngdoh questioned why a patrol post at Lad Mawreng is still operating despite the government order.
Chief Executive Member Titosstarwell Chyne replied that no approval from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had been obtained for check gates and patrol posts along national highways.
Lyngdoh felt that the KHADC using such facilities to check on illegalities is itself guilty of perpetrating illegalities if these check gates do not have the necessary permissions.
However, Chyne said that the council has set up beat houses, patrol posts, check gates, etc in order to enforce rules on the management of forests and prevent rampant felling of trees.
He did not deny that the government had passed an order demanding the toll gates be closed forthwith but the KHADC has, in turn, submitted a list to the state government for approval to set up beat houses at certain points.
