SHILLONG: The District Commissioner of East Khasi Hills has taken decisive action to address two pressing issues affecting the district by issuing prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC.
In a bid to thwart unauthorised toll collection activities, the order, issued on May 10, prohibits all forms of forcible “tax” collection along National and State highways and major district roads of East Khasi Hills.
District Commissioner SC Sadhu highlighted concerns regarding the illegal toll collection practices, particularly in relation to the plying of limestone export trucks from Umdud to Zero Point Road, part of the route leading to Majai LCS.
“There is illegal collection of toll by the Syiem of Sohra from export truck that passes through Majai Land Custom Station at Rs 400 per export truck, which may lead to law and order situation,” read the order.
The order further reiterated the government’s “zero tolerance” policy against illegal collection of taxes from traffic plying along the National Highways and major district roads.
In a separate order, the District Commissioner has also issued a prohibitory order under Section 144 CrPC, prohibiting car washing and the use of streams or wells for the disposal of polluting matter along the catchment/tributaries of Umiew river and all its tributaries.
This order follows concerns raised regarding widespread car washing activities in the Umiew river at Umiew Maw-U-Sam, Smit area, which posed a threat to river pollution and environmental degradation.
Both orders have been enforced with immediate effect throughout the district until further notice.
