Shillong: Large-scale illegal stone quarrying was detected along the Malidor River in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, where hundreds of labourers were found extracting and transporting stone without authorisation.
The operation came to light after the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Narpuh Circle, carried out a site inspection on February 24 following reports of unlawful mining activity in the river zone.
The inspection team, led by circle president Phanuel Tongper and general secretary Yooni Muksor, reached the area to verify claims that quarrying was being carried out by individuals from Assam within Meghalaya’s territorial boundary.
At the site, the KSU found a large workforce using heavy machinery to extract stones and load them onto multiple trucks reportedly heading towards Assam.
Terming the activity a serious environmental threat, KSU members halted the transport vehicles, dispersed the workers and questioned those involved in the operation.
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The KSU ordered an immediate shutdown of operations and warned of strict action if the mining continued, also alleging possible links between the operator and local forest officials.
The union further expressed concern that the quarrying had allegedly been ongoing for nearly three months without intervention from the Beat Office at Ratachera or the Ranger Office at Umkiang, raising questions about official oversight and possible collusion.
Warning of long-term consequences, the KSU said the illegal mining has already caused damage to the Malidor River, which serves as a natural boundary between Assam and Meghalaya, and could potentially alter the river’s course during the monsoon season.
The organisation has urged the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, the State Forest and Environment Department, and the district administration to initiate immediate legal action against those responsible.
