Shillong, Feb 23: A public meeting was held on February 21 at Cheran Alda under Songsak Police Station in East Garo Hills to oppose the permission granted for the operation of a stone quarry.
The meeting was organised by the headmen of 15 adjacent villages in the Koksi Songma area. Prominent pressure groups also participated. Representatives from the East Garo Hills district administration and Songsak Police Station were present on behalf of the government.
The meeting was chaired by Probal N. Marak, the Soldar of Koksi Songma. Attendees, along with various NGOs, voiced their strong opposition to the stone quarry operations in Koksi Songma and the surrounding villages. They expressed concerns about the pollution of the Chiwarte River, which flows through the quarry site and into the Chidrang River, severely impacting the villagers who rely on these water sources for drinking, laundry, bathing and agricultural activities. The continuous blasting at the quarry also disturbs and panics households located approximately 150m from the site.
Furthermore, there are fears that soil erosion from the quarry could lead to massive landslides, threatening nearby rubber and arecanut plantations. “Reckless” driving of heavy trucks poses significant risks to children, students, and the elderly, as these vehicles travel along the newly constructed PMGSY road, which serves as the only lifeline for more than 15 villages.
In light of these issues, both the public and pressure groups determined that they would not allow any stone extraction from this quarry. They called for an immediate revocation of the permission granted for its operation, warning that if their demands are not met, they will launch several democratic protests against the destruction of the environment. The magistrate informed the public that he does not have the authority to revoke the permission but will forward their feedback to the higher authorities.
