Shillong, Feb 27: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board has approved operation of eight new stone quarries in the state.
Among the stone quarries, two are in West Khasi Hills, three in West Garo Hills, and one each in West Jaintia Hills, East Garo Hills, and Eastern West Khasi Hills districts, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma informed the Assembly on Friday.
On staff shortage at the Board, Sangma said regional offices are lacking and most work is handled from Shillong, making access difficult for applicants from Tura and other parts of the state.
“We are in the process… offices for Tura and other locations are going to be established,” he added.
Responding to quarry concentration in West Garo Hills, he said 59 quarries operate legally there and applications from other districts are processed as received.
“Reasons could be many — maybe locations are not feasible,” he said.
On illegal quarries, he said 17 cases led to closures and penalties under mining rules.
According to him, there are eight legal quarries in Ri Bhoi district.
