SHILLONG: The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department of the Meghalaya Government has declared the collection of toll tax on vehicles carrying livestock at Byrnihat illegal and has ordered the immediate cessation of the practice.
This move follows reports that the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) had issued a work order to an individual, Francis L. Nonglait of Mawlai Nongkwar, Shillong, authorizing him to collect taxes on livestock entering the region for the fiscal year 2026-2027.
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Sanbor Shullai explained that the department took prompt action after receiving a formal complaint about the KHADC’s work order. The matter was immediately referred to senior officials for a thorough review of departmental rules and the legality of the council’s directive. Following internal scrutiny, it was concluded that such toll collection is entirely unauthorized.
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As a result, Under Secretary P. Lyngdoh of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department sent an official letter on June 30 to the Under Secretary of the District Council Affairs (DCA) Department. The letter directly referenced the KHADC’s order (Serial No. DC.RBF/XXII(T)/213/2024-2026/25 dated June 1, 2026), which had permitted toll collection on livestock vehicles at 19th Mile, Byrnihat, in Ri-Bhoi District.
The DCA Department has now been asked to formally communicate with the KHADC, as well as all other Autonomous District Councils in the state, to make it explicitly clear that the collection of entry tolls on livestock is strictly prohibited.
Minister Shullai emphasized that this prohibition has the approval of the Competent Authority, and confirmed that the department has officially directed the KHADC to ensure that such toll gates cease collecting any further animal taxes.
(4FrontMedia news)
