Shillong, Jan 5: The district administration of East Khasi Hills on Friday issued restraining order against illegal mining and quarrying in the hill slopes and removal of sand from river-beds by any person, company or authority without obtaining mining license/quarry permit and other clearance certificates from the competent authority.

“…in exercise of the power conferred upon me under Section 144 CrPC and in order to safeguard the environment, do hereby restrain illegal mining and quarrying in the hill slopes and removal of sand from river-beds by any person, company or authority without obtaining mining license/quarry permit and other clearance certificates from the competent authority/(s),” district magistrate RM Kurbah said in her order.

This came after it was brought to the notice of the district administration that illegal quarrying and mining particularly on hill slopes and removal of sand from river-beds are taking place in various parts of East Khasi Hills District, and specifically in Sohiong, Mawblei and Umphyrnai which has severely affected the water sources in the surrounding and adjoining areas.

It said that order is received from National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi, restraining any person, company, authority to carry out any mining and quarrying activity or removal of sand from river beds anywhere in the country without obtaining valid mining license/quarry permit and other clearance certificates prescribed by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India in EIA Notification 2006 and Amendments thereof.

Such indiscriminate quarrying and mining activities 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, etc and

“Whereas, it is necessary to ensure compliance to the aforesaid Order of NGT within East Khasi Hills District so as to prevent danger to human life, health and safety and to protect the environment,” the order said.