NGT directive on harmful stone, sand quarrying practice in States
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 17 2015 :
Taking serious note of large scale extraction of stone and sand from quarry sites, National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Forest and Environment Ministers of all States to halt the practice if it is going to cause harm to its surrounding areas.
However, the practice of stone/sand quarrying in a particular site can continue if Environment Assessment Authority of the concerned State gives clearance to it.
According to an official of Forest Department, there are six quarry sites under the jurisdiction of Central Forest Division.
The sites are located at Sekmai, Kanglatongbi, Potsangbam, Leikinthabi, Kanto and Yairipok.
The clearance to the six quarry sites under Central Forest Division was given by State Environment Assessment Authority.
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On the other hand, the number of quarry sites recognized by the government in the State is 15.There are also several recognized sites in Tamenglong, Jiribam and Kangpokpi.
However, there is restriction in sand wash in river after extracting from hills for sell.
Up to 2012, Forest Department conducted yearly auction for awarding quarry work to registered contractors.
The concerned contractors accrued certain amount of money to the Forest Department in accordance to Mahal system, the official elaborated.
The conduct of auction for further award of quarry work was ceased in 2013.However, quarry works in the sites are continuing.
Moreover, certain amount of money is accrued to the department by owners of vehicles engaged in the work.
The amount is fixed according to quantity of stone/sand filled in the vehicles.
Vehicles loaded with stone/sand passing through forest check posts are checked by department staff to ensure that tax is accrued in time.
The State Environment Assessment Authority has not given further clearance to quarry sites situated at Moirangpurel.
This means that stone/sand extracted from the sites cannot be sold, the source said.
It has been observed that look of Thoubal River deteriorated due to washing of sand extracted from quarry sites at Moirangpurel.
When inspected at some forest check posts by this daily, it came to light that preparation of red sand at quarry sites at Moirangpurel continues despite the restriction.
Sand extracted from the sites is sold in the capital.
A truck loaded with sand heading towards the capital has to pay a sum of around Rs 2000 at check posts and Rs 1000 at police station gate.
Following the unwarranted revelation, questions have been raised on conduct of forest and police officials posted at these check posts and police gates.
Moreover, there is also apprehension whether the tax collected is actually accrued to the State coffer or not.