Tura, February 24, 2026: The Office of the Divisional Forest Officer, West & South-West Garo Hills Territorial Division, through the Range Forest Officer, Tura Range, conducted a comprehensive awareness programme on mining rules and regulations at Chatibhui, Wakrugre today.

The programme, which commenced at 11:30 A.M., focused on sensitising local stakeholders about the legal provisions governing mining activities, particularly the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2016 and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

The event was attended by Shri Anil Patil, IFS; Shri Baggio Ch. Momin, ACF; the In-Charge of Jongkipara Police Outpost; Nokmas from various Akhings; and local community members.

The objective of the programme was to educate traditional leaders and the public on the environmental and legal importance of regulated mining, while highlighting the adverse impacts and legal consequences of illegal mining operations. During the session, the Assistant Conservator of Forests provided a detailed, step-by-step explanation of the procedures for obtaining quarry licences and mining leases. These include preparation and approval of a Mining Plan by the Mining Department, obtaining Environmental Clearance from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority/SEAC, securing Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), and obtaining the mining lease or quarry permit from the competent authority.

In the interactive session, a local Nokma raised concerns about threats and intimidation from illegal miners reportedly operating from outside the state. Responding to the issue, the In-Charge of Jongkipara Police Outpost stressed the importance of filing formal First Information Reports (FIRs) and assured the community that strict legal action would be taken to curb illegal mining activities.

A Nokma from Selsella also appealed to fellow traditional heads to strictly prohibit illegal quarrying on A’king land and to extend full cooperation with government authorities to safeguard their ancestral lands and natural resources.