Shillong : The Meghalaya Government has declared the collection of entry toll on livestock by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) as illegal and has directed the council to immediately stop the practice.
Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Minister Sanbor Shullai said the department initiated an inquiry after receiving a complaint regarding a KHADC work order authorising the collection of toll on livestock entering Meghalaya.
According to the minister, veterinary officials were directed to examine the legality of the order. Following the review, the department wrote to the Department of District Council Affairs, stating that there is no legal provision allowing Autonomous District Councils to collect entry toll on livestock.
The communication referred to a KHADC work order issued on June 1, authorising Francis L. Nongbri of Mawlai Nongkwar to collect toll from vehicles transporting livestock at 19th Mile, Byrnihat, Ri Bhoi district for the 2026-27 financial year.
Shullai said the government has officially instructed KHADC to stop collecting the toll, describing the practice as illegal.
He further informed that the State Government has also directed all three Autonomous District Councils in Meghalaya not to levy any entry toll on livestock and to strictly follow the existing laws governing livestock movement and taxation.