Tura, Oct 19: A conglomeration of pressure groups from Chokpot has strongly opposed ongoing mining activities near ecologically sensitive zones in South Garo Hills, following a joint inspection of the site on Saturday.

The organisations: GSU, AHAM, CAVC, GSMC, ACHIK and FKJGP has alleged that coal mining is being carried out in close proximity to protected forests and major rivers, posing a serious environmental threat.

During the inspection, the groups warned that continued quarrying would lead to irreversible damage to the land, water bodies and surrounding forest areas.

They highlighted that several rivers, including Rompa, Rongdik, Khakiza and Rongma, which are crucial sources of drinking water and irrigation for hundreds of families, are already showing signs of pollution, silting and drying of tributaries.

They further alleged that the mining area lies dangerously close to the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve (a protected ecological hotspot home to dense forests and endangered species).

They cautioned that unchecked mining will lead to deforestation, soil erosion and wildlife habitat loss, threatening species such as the Hoolock Gibbon and Himalayan Black Bear.

The groups also expressed concern that the expansion of mining will destroy emerging eco-tourism destinations like Abong Chigat, Redingsni, Wari Chora and Tengte Rongrep.

They stressed that tourism provides sustainable livelihood opportunities to local communities, whereas destructive mining harms nature, local income sources and the cultural identity of the Garo people.

They further raised suspicions that the excavation may not be limited to coal, alleging a possible link to uranium exploration based on alleged made earlier by public leaders.

However, while not confirming any uranium mining activity, they warned that such mining poses severe and long-term health and environmental hazards.

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