Shillong: A 90 percent decline in truck traffic on the Dawki-Jowai road has revealed the extent of illegal mineral transport in Meghalaya. The drop followed a High Court order, with daily truck volumes falling from over 300 vehicles to roughly 25. An inspection by Amicus Curiae Philemon Nongbri confirmed that the road is heavily damaged and described the route as being “riddled” with potholes.
Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W Diengdoh have ordered the Public Works Department and the National Highways Authority of India to repair the highway within four weeks. The court intervention follows reports of absent police personnel and a lack of signage at limestone quarries, which previously masked the origin of transported minerals.
While the state Transport Department claimed to have conducted a large-scale enforcement drive, the court expressed concerns regarding the efficiency of these efforts. To improve oversight, authorities must now permanently station personnel at the Amjeha weighbridge and the Dawki Land Port junction. Additionally, the Forest and Mineral Resources departments are required to install official signs at all licensed quarries to prevent the trade of illegally mined materials.
The state is also moving toward a digital enforcement database to replace its lack of an automated e-Challan system. Environmental officials are currently assessing the impact of quarrying in the region, with findings due by July 15.
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