Shillong, Apr 24: The East Khasi Hills district administration has imposed an immediate ban on illegal sand mining and quarrying activities, citing serious environmental and public health concerns.
In an order issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the District Magistrate stated that large-scale removal of sand from riverbeds—particularly along the Wahniangleng River near Myllem—has already begun to severely impact local water sources and surrounding ecosystems.
The administration noted that such unchecked extraction has led to soil erosion, destruction of vegetation on slopes, damage to aquatic life, and contamination of water, rendering it unsafe for drinking and daily use.
The order also reinforces directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which mandates that no mining or sand extraction can take place without valid permits, environmental clearances, and licenses as prescribed under national regulations.
Invoking its powers, the district administration has prohibited all illegal mining and quarrying activities in hill slopes, removal of sand from riverbeds without proper authorisation.
Officials warned that any violation of the order will invite strict legal action.
Calling the situation urgent, the District Magistrate passed the order ex-parte, making it effective immediately across the entire East Khasi Hills district until further notice.
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