Leaders of the HANM from Ri-Bhoi district have threatened to lodge complaint to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the High Court against the Dhar Construction Company for extracting stones from Umiam River to construct the Umsning – Jagi Road via Mawhati.
Speaking at a press conference here today, HANM leader in-charge of Ri-Bhoi district, Bawan Nongsiej said that they have written to the Managing Director of Dhar Construction Company several times but have not received any response.
He stated that if the company fails to respond they will be compelled to approach the court and the National Green Tribunal.
“We decided to take up this matter after the complaints received from the residents of villages in the Mawhati area,” Nongsiej said.
According to Nongsiej, due to the illegal extraction of boulders from the river, the water has become turbid causing difficulties to villagers who use the river to wash clothes, bathing and other activities.
“The extraction of boulders from the river also endangered the aquatic lives in the river,” he added.
He also stated that as per the local headmen they are not aware of any permission granted to the company to extract the boulders from the river.
