Shillong: The Meghalaya Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department shut down the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council plan to tax livestock vehicles at Byrnihat. Officials declared these levies illegal. The state government ordered an immediate stop to all collection efforts.
The KHADC issued a work order last month targeting the 19th Mile checkpoint for the 2026-27 fiscal year. They handed the contract to Francis L. Nongbri. The council set price tiers for animals, including 250 rupees for an elephant and 50 rupees for cattle. They also planned to charge 100 rupees per tonne for fresh fish.
Council leaders required collectors to carry identification and install rate boards. They specifically demanded that staff avoid blocking traffic on the national highway. The Veterinary department bypassed the council to settle the matter. They directed the District Council Affairs department to formally notify the KHADC and all other autonomous councils that "the collection of entry tolls on livestock vehicles is prohibited."
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