Diphu February 2: Authority of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council in a crucial meeting held on 26 January under the Chairmanship of Chief Executive Member of KAAC on the issues related to mining in the proposed Eco-sensitive zone of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve.
The meeting held to deliberate on the factual report submitted by the Divisional Forest Officer, Karbi Anglong East Division, Diphu and some other related matter under the Dolamora and Parkup Pahar Range of Karbi Anglong Fast Division; was also attended by Member of Lok Sabha from Diphu and MLA of Howraghat Constituency.
Considering the sensitivity and ecology of the areas of the proposed Eco-sensitive zone of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, it was decided that the operation of ten numbers of stone quarries within the areas of the proposed Eco-sensitive zone of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve under Parkup Pahar Range are suspended with immediate effect.
Halt of Mining
The DFO, KA East Division was instructed to issue notice for suspension for operation of mining with immediate effect of the stone quarries.
In case of remaining nineteen other stone quarries under settlement, the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council will issue the order for cancellation of settlement of the stone quarries falling within the proposed Eco-sensitive zone of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve with pending Mining Plan and Environment Clearance.
Regarding the issue of four numbers of stone quarries functioning in the Borjuri area was discussed in the background of contents of the complaint petition and the Divisional Forest Officer, Karbi Anglong East Division, Diphu factual report including the report of the Additional Chief Engineer, Water Resource Department, Karbi Anglong, Diphu.
It was decided to suspend the operation of all the four numbers of mines considering the proximity to Borjuri Waterfall affecting its existence and the stream finding its way to the eco-sensitive zone affecting Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve as observed in the Addl. Chief Engineer’s report.
It was resolved that the DFO, Karbi Anglong East Division, Diphu will issue the suspension order for mining in the said four numbers stone quarries with immediate effect.
Forest Department Officers
The officers from the Forest Department who attended the meeting beside the public leaders were Secretary in charge Environment & Forests, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests-cum-Council Head of Department, Divisional Forest Officer, Karbi Anglong East Division, Diphu and Deputy Conservator of Forest attached to Divisional Forest Officer Karbi Anglong East Division.
As pointed out in the factual report regarding need of study on the rivers, streams, rivulets originating in the Dolamara and Parkup Pahar Range areas of Karbi Anglong Hills and flowing into Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, it was resolved to get the said study done within next six months on priority from Mines & Mineral Development, restoration and Rehabilitation Fund (MMDRR).
Status of Stone Quarries
The meeting also decided to acquaint the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority, Assam regarding the status of the stone quarries falling in the proposed ESZ of Kaziranga National Park (KNP) and Tiger Reserve including four numbers of mines in the Borjuri area.
The vicinity is very close to Borjuri Waterfall and the issue of pollution of Borjurni stream flowing into Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve; the quarries which obtained Environmental clearance from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, Assam.
The Divisional Forest Officer, Karbi Anglong East Division, Diphu has been directed to furnish the detailed report in this regard to State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, Assam for their needful action.
Stone quarry, KAAC orders halt of mining in Kazirangs eco-area
Revenue Discussion
The meeting also resolved to look for feasible solutions to recoup the loss of revenue due to closure of a number of stone quarries with regard to ESZ guidelines on prohibition of mining activities.
The high powered meeting also decided to suspend the Deihori River Sand cum Sand Gravel Mahal under Northern Range, Dolamara. It was decided that the DFO, Karbi Anglong East Division, Diphu will issue the suspension order in this regard.
