SHILLONG: A precarious situation has surfaced in Umtyrnuit village, located near Mawngap in East Khasi Hills, where active stone quarrying and high-intensity blasting are posing a direct threat to the lives of local residents and schoolchildren.
According to Banpyrkhatlang Kurbah, the Rangbah Dong (Local Headman) of Umtyrnuit, the primary path used daily by students is situated dangerously close to active quarrying sites. The use of dynamite for blasting in these areas is reportedly being carried out without any proper safety protocols or protective measures.
Risk to Students: Approximately 35 schoolchildren traverse this route every day. Reports indicate that when blasting is about to occur, children are often forced to run for cover at a moment’s notice to avoid the explosions.
Environmental Impact: The constant use of explosives has caused significant tremors in the region, affecting the stability of the local hills and nearby water bodies.
Imminent Landslide Threat: There are growing fears that the excessive excavation and vibration will trigger a massive landslide, potentially burying the walkway used by the public.
Despite attempts by the Dorbar Shnong (Village Council) to resolve the issue with the quarry owners and leaseholders, the parties involved have reportedly avoided taking responsibility, often shifting the blame onto one another. Meanwhile, the environmental degradation in the area continues to worsen.
“Our only demand as residents is the immediate halt of these quarrying activities. It is a matter of life and death for our children who travel to schools in Mawngap, Mawmyrsiang, and Umtyrnuit,” stated Kurbah.
The local community is now calling on the authorities to intervene before a preventable tragedy occurs.
