Guwahati: The District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills has issued an order prohibiting illegal sand extraction from riverbeds and unauthorised mining on hill slopes across the district, with immediate effect.
District Magistrate H.M.L. Kynta issued the directive on April 23 under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), citing growing environmental degradation caused by unchecked sand mining, particularly along the Wahnianglen river near Mylliem.
The move follows directions from the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi, which has barred mining, quarrying and sand removal without valid licences, permits and environmental clearances as mandated under the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006.
Officials said unregulated extraction has led to large-scale ecological damage, including loss of slope vegetation, contamination of water sources, decline in aquatic life and deterioration of water quality, making it unsafe for consumption. Residents in nearby areas have already reported disruptions to their water supply.
The order makes it clear that no individual, company or authority shall undertake mining, quarrying or sand removal in the district without obtaining the necessary approvals from competent authorities. Violations are likely to invite strict action under the law.