Shillong, July 10: Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Sanbor Shullai on Friday said the state government has declared illegal the toll being collected by the Voice of the People Party-led Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on the entry of livestock into Meghalaya and directed the Council to stop the practice.
Shullai said the government had received a complaint concerning a KHADC work order issued to Francis L Nongbri of Mawlai Nongkwar for collection of tax on animals.
“I endorsed it to our officials to examine whether it is legal or illegal,” Shullai said.
Following examination of the matter, the department wrote to the District Council Affairs Department on June 30, forwarding the KHADC order dated June 1 that permitted collection of toll from vehicles carrying livestock at 19th Mile, Byrnihat, during 2026-27.
In the letter, Under Secretary P Lyngdoh stated: “You are requested to kindly inform the KHADC and other Autonomous District Councils of the state that collection of toll on entry is not allowed.”
“Therefore, it is illegal. We have sent a letter from the department to disallow the district council from collecting tax on entry of livestock,” Shullai said.
The Minister added that all three autonomous district councils in the state have been asked not to levy entry tolls on livestock.
