Meghalaya HC seeks affidavit into illegal mining of sand, silt

Hearing a PIL, the full bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee said, “Let a further affidavit be filed by the State indicating, inter alia, the measures taken to ensure that the licensees adhere to the terms thereof and that there is no illegal mining of sand or silt from the riverbeds or elsewhere without obtaining permission therefor.”

The bench also directed the state government to indicate the environmental impact assessment undertaken prior to the issuance of any license by way of a concession for minor minerals.

During the hearing, the Amicus Curiae has informed that the state had indicated in its status report filed on February, 2022 that a single-window facility has been introduced so that the licenses for minor minerals can be obtained without much difficulty and upon a nodal body considering the propriety and desirability thereof.

The bench asserted that one of the key areas where the state has to be vigilant is in how sand and silt, which have to be considered as minor minerals are allowed to be mined from the riverbeds.

The experience elsewhere in the country shows that large-scale and uncontrolled mining of riverbed sand results in the rivers being destroyed altogether apart from the vehicular pollution caused to the water by the heavy vehicles brought by the licensees, it said.

“It is also not abnormal for licensees to obtain permission over a much smaller area and in respect of a limited quantum to exploit a much larger area and mine much in excess of the quantum contemplated at the time of the grant of license. These areas have to be closely monitored by the State,” it added.

The bench also sought the respond of the state government on a report citing that in the Garo Hills alone there are more than 500 spots where rampant illegal stone quarrying goes on without the local officials or the State administration being vigilant or taking any steps in such regard.

The next hearing will be held on April 19.

By Our Reporter