Meghalaya DGP’s intervention sought against ‘illegal coal transportation’ in Garo Hills region
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Jan 5: BJP MDC from Tura Bernard N Marak today sought the intervention of the Director General of Police (DGP) LR Bishnoi against the alleged illegal transportation of coal in the South Garo Hills district.
An FIR in this regard was also filed with the Nongalbibra police station.
In a letter to the DGP, Marak said, “The reason for inaction by the police raised doubts so I am forwarding my complaint with a copy of the FIR submitted to Nongalbibra police station which has the coordinates of the depos for your reference. Therefore, kindly take immediate action and stop all illegal coal-related activities and honour the Court order.”
He said the complaint is to bring to notice the seriousness of the illegal transportation of coal which is happening openly in huge quantities in the state.
“Overloaded coal trucks without proper documents are plying freely at night by merely paying the entry fee approximately amounting to Rs 1,25,000/- per truck which is not recorded by the Government and without paying royalty tax to the Autonomous District Council (ADCs) and not following the directions of the honourable Supreme Court is a gross violation of the Honorable Supreme Court order dated 03.07.2019 and unjustified exploitation of the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India as all districts in Meghalaya falls under the Hill provisions,” Marak alleged.
“Hundreds of trucks are illegally lifting the coal from Era Aning and Jadigittim and illegal dumpings are taking place openly at the same places which grossly violates the Supreme Court order of 03.07.2019,” he said.
Further, the BJP leader demanded an investigation into the matter and said, FIR copy which is attached here should be investigated as coal was loaded from the mentioned depo at Era Aning and Jadigittim under Nongalbibra Police Station, South Garo Hills, Meghalaya.”
CCTV surveillance to ensure safety in Iewduh
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Sept 14: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) today decided to put Iewduh – the oldest traditional market in the region – under CCTV surveillance to ensure the safety and security of traders and the general public.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Committee on Safety, Security and Cleanliness of Iewduh was convened by the KHADC chief executive member (CEM) Pyniaid Sing Syiem and attended by EM in-charge market Grace Mary Kharpuri, EM in-charge development Carnes Sohshang and representatives of various localities – Mawkhar, Umsohsun, Mission Compound, Wahthapbru, Qualapatty, Riatsamthiah and Wahingdoh – besides officials from the district administration.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Syiem informed that the Committee has decided to seek funds from the Fifteen Finance Commission to construct and renovate public toilets, drainage systems and install new water pipes at Iewduh.
“The committee has also decided to install CCTV cameras and solar lightings in and around Iewduh to monitor any untoward incidents and to instil a sense of safety and security among the traders and market goers,” he said.
The CEM also said that the committee has also decided to conduct an inspection in Iewduh for the installation of a check gate to monitor the entry and exit of people and to prevent theft and anti-social elements, especially during nighttime.
Meanwhile, the committee has also decided to ban overnight staying in Iewduh and also to take action against shop owners who converted their shops into residence complexes and against those involved in gambling.
AIM against gambling in melas
The Awakening Indian Movement (AIM) has sought the intervention of the deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills district to ensure a blanket ban on gambling at melas being organized by different agencies.
Speaking to media persons, chairman of AIM Bansharai Marbaniang said that many people from other part of the country come to Meghalaya to host various kinds of melas, however these melas have games that encourage gambling with money which is detrimental and have a negative impact on the welfare of the people.
Marbaniang alleged that melas throughout the country are being held in order to provide entertainment to all citizens where they can experience happiness especially for children, students, and youth but at present melas in Meghalaya are being held with gambling which have detrimental and a negative impact on the welfare of the people.
“During our visit to the mela held at the Parking Lot outside Polo Ground in Shillong, the mela hosted various gambling activities with money and young people and students in uniform participated in various gambling games” said Marbaniang.
Marbaniang said that AIM is not against organizing melas in the state, however it stands against the act of gambling that is being held at the venues hence the AIM sought the intervention into this matter.
Heat wave necessitates school closure
In view of the prevailing heat wave and to ensure the safety of the students all educational institutions located around Dangar Area under Mawsynram Block will remain closed.
These schools will close from April 21, 2023 for a week, or until further orders, an order issued by the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills district today.
The order also said that out-door activities in all schools in East Khasi Hills are to be kept in abeyance until further orders