DA to act as SWA

SHILLONG, AUG 10:Based on the regular complaints received from the contractors about non-availability of construction materials especially boulders, stone- chips etc, which have delayed various construction works in the district, the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills Ram Singh met all the stakeholders to discuss and find out ways and means to solve the problem at DRDA Conference Hall, Tura on Thursday.

During the meeting, the quarry owners had appraised that the formalities required for obtaining licenses to operate their stone quarry, etc are being delayed in different office in the district and therefore, they are not able to operate their respective quarries.

The Deputy Commissioner had informed the stakeholders that the District Administration (DA) along with the Superintendent of Police, District Mineral Resources and Forest Officials of the district will facilitate as a single window agency (SWA) for clearance and approval for issuing licenses to the quarry owners, miners, etc in the district provided they adhere to the guidelines of the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules. Further, in view of the double taxation charged by the department as appraised by the owner of the stone quarry, the Deputy Commissioner had assured to look into this matter which would be discussed with the department concerned.

The Deputy Commissioner has also directed the officials of PWD (Roads) incharge PMGSY to complete all PMGSY roads in the district once the construction materials are available. He had also directed the quarry owners to supply the construction materials to the contractors and other ongoing construction works in the district. He had also instructed the Quarry owners to put up sign boards near the roadside to indicate the presence of quarry in the area.

As per the request of the quarry owners, the Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills had ensured to provide night patrolling in border areas and also to install CCTV cameras for security reasons which will also help to check other illegal activities.

Assistant Conservator of Forest, Sachin Gavade, informed that at present there are altogether six quarries operating in the district.

Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills, Dr. R Kumar, Geologist, District Mineral Resources, West Garo Hills J W Sangma, Assistant Conservator of Forest, DFO (Territorial) Sachin Gavade, Assistant Executive Engineer PWD (Roads) NH Division, J F D Shira, Owners of Stone Quarry, Crusher and Contractors of the district attended the meeting.

By Our Reporter