Shillong, Jan 27: The Office of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Territorial Division, West and South-West Garo Hills, has launched a strict enforcement drive against unauthorised brick earth mining and illegal stone quarrying across several locations in the district.

Following extensive field inspections, the Forest Department has issued show cause notices to 10 brick kiln operators and nine operators of illegal stone quarries. Officials said efforts are underway to identify more individuals involved in such activities so that further action can be taken in accordance with the law.

The inspection drive, carried out by officials of the Hollaidonga Range, detected multiple illegal brick kilns and stone quarry sites in areas including Gomaijhora, Nayagaon, Balujhora, Baitbari, Borobakra, Hatogaon, Borogobal and Motapara.

According to the Forest Department, the inspections revealed that brick earth (clay) and stones were being extracted without valid mining leases or quarry permits, in violation of Rule 5 of the Meghalaya Minor Minerals Concession Rules (MMMCR), 2016. The operators were also found to be functioning without approved mining plans, environmental clearance from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), or mandatory consent to establish and operate from the State Pollution Control Board. The illegal extraction of minerals without payment of prescribed royalties has caused financial loss to the State exchequer.

The Divisional Forest Officer has directed all notice recipients to submit their replies within seven days. Failure to provide satisfactory explanations will invite penal action under Section 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, including recovery of fines equivalent to the market value of the illegally extracted minerals along with unpaid royalties. Additional measures may include closure of brick kilns and seizure of machinery and equipment.

The District Level Task Force (DLTF), West Garo Hills, Tura, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, has taken serious note of the violations and has initiated coordinated action with concerned line departments to shut down illegal brick earth mining, brick kilns and stone quarries operating outside statutory norms.

Reiterating its stand, the Forest Department said it will continue to enforce mining and environmental laws strictly to safeguard forest land, natural resources and public interest.

Also Read: Malaria declining in Meghalaya, but hidden risks remain in Garo Hills: Study

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