SHILLONG : The District Level Task Force (DLTF) conducted a major enforcement drive against illegal brick earth mining and unauthorized brick kilns in the Gomaijhora area under Phulbari and Batabara in West Garo Hills district, following inputs from multiple sources.
The operation was launched after the brick kiln units were found to be operating in violation of the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules (MMMCR), 2016. Authorities stated that the units did not possess the mandatory Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from the State Pollution Control Board.
Despite having been issued Show Cause notices earlier, the operators continued their illegal activities, prompting the DLTF to initiate strict action.
In a recent meeting, the DLTF—comprising officials from the District Administration, Police, Forest and Water Resources departments, the State Pollution Control Board, along with two independent members—authorized the demolition of illegally established brick kilns and the seizure of all illegally mined brick earth.
During the enforcement drive, two JCB machines and a dumper truck were deployed to dismantle the illegal structures and transport the seized materials to the Range Office for safe custody.
Confirming the action, Shri Rupanker K. Marak, DFO-cum-Member Secretary, DLTF, West & South-West Garo Hills T Division, Tura, stated that regular inspections and monitoring will continue to curb illegal brick earth mining and prevent the setting up of unauthorized brick kilns in the area.
He further urged the public to report any instances of illegal brick earth mining or brick kiln operations to the concerned authorities for prompt action.