The East Khasi Hills district magistrate has imposed prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPC banning illegal mining and quarrying in the hill slopes and removal of sand from river-beds by any person, company or authority without obtaining licence, quarry permit and other clearance certificates from competent authority (s).
The order was necessitated to prevent indiscriminate quarrying and mining activities that has led to the constant out-flow of stone, sand and other minerals into the rivers and down from the hill slopes which ultimately lead to destruction of vegetation on the slopes, damages the water sources and destroys aquatic life.
“Many rivers have become polluted due to stone and sand mining and as such, the water is no longer potable and is unfit for drinking purposes,” the order said, adding, “this is to prevent danger to human life, health and safety and to protect the environment.”
