TURA:
The district magistrate, Tura, clamped Section 144 CrPC prohibiting rampant felling of trees and deforestation near water bodies and catchment areas in West Garo Hills, recently.
The order also prohibits illegal commercial sand and stone mining activities across the West Garo Hills.
The order was issued post a decision on the matter during a meeting held on February 9 with Nokmas, VECs, church leaders and other stakeholders, wherein it was resolved to organise plantation of water recharging species trees in all water catchment areas and hill tops in the ensuing season.
The district magistrate informed that the order was issued after it was noticed that streams and water sources in the catchment areas are drying up due to deforestation, commercial plantation, illegal commercial sand and stone mining activities.
The order has also directed the general public of the district, especially the A’king Nokmas and VECs, to maintain an area of 50 metres from both sides of the river beds and catchment areas to be covered under plantation of water retaining species.
Any violation of the advisory shall be an offence and will attract penal provisions under Section 188 of IPC, the order read.