HC notices on quarrying activities in Sekmai river
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 06, 2013:
In response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed jointly by Angom Rajesh Singh of Awang Sekmai Khunou; Khwairakpam Chandramani Singh of Awang Sekmai Mayai Leikai and Yumlembam Ibohal Singh of Awang Sekmai Makha Leikai, a division bench of High Court of Manipur comprising Chief justice Abhay Manohar Sapre and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotishwar Singh has issued a notice motion returnable within 2 weeks.
The trio filed the PIL seeking to issue a writ/direction to state respondents to enforce and implement the Manipur Food Plain Zoning Act, 1978 effectively by appointing Flood Plain Zoning Authority under Section 3 (3) of the Act as to prohibit any act of quarrying activities in Sekmai River.
Further, the petitioner also contended that the uncontrolled quarrying of coarse sand, stone, gravels, etc, has massively and severely affected the livelihood of the entire village of Sekmai which has since time immemorial dependent on the resources emanating from Sekmai River for irrigation and ground water storage.
Advocate Meihoubam Rakesh has appeared on the behalf of the petitioners who filed the PIL under the active guidance and initiative of Human Rights Law Network, Manipur.