SHILLONG, April 23: The Meghalaya High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of large-scale illegal transportation of boulders and minerals along NH-206 towards the Bangladesh border, issuing sweeping interim directions to curb the activity and strengthen enforcement.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice H.S. Thangkhiew registered a public interest litigation on April 21, acting on a letter that highlighted what the court termed a “disturbing pattern of inaction and administrative indifference”.
The complaint, supported by visual evidence, alleged that trucks and dumpers were transporting minerals without registration plates, valid challans or mandatory documentation. The court observed that the concerns appeared “prima facie visible and real”.
Flagging regulatory violations, the bench noted that mining activities are restricted in sensitive zones and require necessary forest and wildlife clearances. It said the operation of unregistered vehicles pointed to systemic lapses across multiple agencies.
The court also took note of concerns over illegal excavation, road damage caused by overloaded vehicles, disruption to local communities and environmental degradation, observing that such damage “cannot be compensated in any manner”.
A wide range of authorities were made parties to the case, including the State government, Directorate of Mineral Resources, Transport and Forest Departments, district administration, police, Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, Revenue and Taxation Department, as well as the Union government, Customs authorities and the Border Security Force.
In its interim order, the court directed that vehicles without valid mineral transport challans matched to registration numbers be turned back at check points. It authorised officials to seize vehicles and confiscate minerals in cases of non-compliance, while mandating that all transport vehicles carry valid fitness and pollution certificates.
Authorities were further instructed to conduct field inspections to ensure that mining activities are confined to licensed areas and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Counsel representing the state and the Centre sought time to file affidavits detailing enforcement measures under existing mining rules and policies. The court also sought clarity on the state’s policy regarding mineral exports, particularly limestone, citing environmental concerns.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on April 28, with all respondents directed to submit their responses before the next date.
