Illegal mining rampant in Jaintia Hills, DFO warns of strict action

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 23, 2021

Illegal Limestone mining is rampant in Nongtalang and Amlari village under Amlarem Subdivision, West Jaintia Hills District flouting all rules of MMMCR 2016 and MMDR Act 1957.

The Divisional Forest Officer, Jaintia Hills Territorial Division, Jowai on February 15 have issued notice to all the Mining Lease Holders under Nongtalang and Satpator (Amlari) Elaka on illegal limestone mining.

As per the notice the DFO stated that “I would bring to your notice that this office is issuing Form – H (under Rule. 26 of MMMCR 2016) to the mining lease holder for transportation of lime stone extracted only at their respective mining lease area approved by this office. However, it has been brought to the notice of the undersigned that some mining lease holders are misusing challans by transferring it to entities which are indulging in illegal mining of limestone outside the leased area and helping them in transportation of their illegally mined limestone through such transfers.”

The DFO has also emphasised that such activities are illegal and punishable as per MMDR Act 1957 and MMMCR 2016.

The DFO has directed all mining lease holders to stop transferring challans Form-H to such entities with an immediate effect: else the matter shall be viewed very seriously and the action can be taken as per the provisions of the Act. “Considering that you are facilitating encouraging the illegal mining (in Nongtalang Elaka and Satpator Elaka) and misusing of Form-H issued under Rule 26 of MMMCR. 2016. Besides, this office shall also terminate your mining lease granted for lime stone under MMMCR 2016,” the notice said.