The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Wednesday lodged a complaint before the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), East Khasi Hills District against people who are illegally settling at Mahadev Khola.
President of KSU Laban Circle Reuben Najiar in a statement said as per information received by the union, the Forest department has only given permission to the Hindu faithful to erect a mandir at Mahadev Khola for religious activities.
However, during the inspection of the place, the union found that over 30-40 families and several shops belonging to non-tribal have come up without proper documents.
These illegal settlers are also discharging their wastes direct to the river. “Moreover, the place has become a den for drug users and many incidents of looting are taking place from time to time,” he said.
Najiar informed that the DFO has sought time to conduct an inspection to Mahadev Khola to take action against the illegal settlers.