Shillong, Oct 29: Activist Angela Rangad has petitioned East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah on the illegal activities, including tree felling and soil dumping causing environmental destruction in the Lumparing area.
Full letter below
Shillong, 28th October 2025
To,
The DC
East Khasi Hills District
Shillong
Meghalaya
Subject: Illegal activities and violation of environmental norms and laws in the Lumparing area.
Madam,
It has been very disturbing to note that the forests in the Lumparing – Kynjat Phutbol, Madan Laban area are being subjected to serious destruction owing to illegal activities over several months and years which include extensive tree felling and soil dumping.
In addition to the destruction taking place as a result of the proposed Rope way, consultations with the residents around the area of which never took place, there is today unchecked soil dumping that is threatening the forest eco system as also the river and rivulets in the area.
As you are aware these forests are a lifeline not only to this and the adjacent localities, being as they are the catchment areas holding water that is supplied and used by many households. This indiscriminate tree felling and soil dumping not only poses landslide risks and contamination and destruction of water sources, but it disturbs the overall ecological balance of the forest, land and water bodies in the area threatening not only human lives but the life of the animals, birds and other organisms in this ecosystem.
I am attaching herewith photos taken few days ago of the rampant soil dumping, with an urgent request that action be immediately taken against those perpetuating these illegal activities and that information via newspapers and loud speaker announcements in the localities be made cautioning against such activities. These illegal activities stand in violation of not only notifications and orders passed by your office time and time again, but also violate the Environmental Protection Act, Air and Water Acts etc and also constitutional guarantees.
I will be following up on this urgent complaint and trust that your office will immediately put a stop to these destructive illegal activities.
Thanking you.
Sincerely,
Angela Rangad
Lily Cottage, Laban, Shillong.Phone: 98630 97754
