Shillong, Jan 14: The forest department has seized machinery and equipment used for illegal extraction of stones in Rajabala and the surrounding areas.
A forest official said on Wednesday that the department has intensified its crackdown on illegal quarries and brick kilns in West Garo Hills.
The action follows the death of ACHICK member Dilseng Sangma after he and other members of the group were attacked by a pro-mining lobby.
Legal proceedings are being initiated against offenders under relevant sections of Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules (MMMCR) 2016, the official said.
The department also seized vehicles used in the illegal activity.
The operation is being carried out in close coordination with the district administration and police, targeting all the illegal quarries operating in violation of the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules 2016.
The departments have been actively conducting raids since January 8. The staff are on the field sealing operations at Pipulbari, Tangaon and Rajabala.
These areas have been reported for unauthorized extractions of minor minerals. Despite the challenge of limited manpower, the staff maintained a consistent and vigilant stance, the official added.
The West Garo Hills Divisional Forest Officer also emphasised that minor minerals are sourced by the needy for their construction requirements only from legal quarries and crushers, and illegal operators are prohibited.
