East Khasi Hills bans illegal sand mining from river beds

Shillong: The East Khasi Hills district administration has banned illegal mining and quarrying in the hill slopes and removal of sand from river beds without valid permits with immediate effect due to adverse effects on the environment, aquatic life and public health.In an order issued on April 23, district magistrate in-charge HML Kynta said it has been brought to her notice that removal of sand from river beds is taking place in the district, especially from the Wahniangleng river, near Mylliem, which has severely affected the water sources in the surrounding and adjoining areas.The DM said an order has been received from principal bench of the National Green Tribunal, 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 licence/quarry permit and other clearance certificates prescribed by Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change. “In view of the urgency of the matter, this order has been passed ex-parte and it shall come into force with immediate effect throughout the entire East Khasi Hills district.until further orders,” the DM said.