DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT FOR RIVER SAND MINING IN EAST JAINTIA HILLS DISTRICT Prepared in accordance with para 7(iii) (a) of S.O.141 (E) dated 15th January, 2016 as amended on S.O.3611(E) dated 25th July,2018 of MoEFCC Notificatation

Compiled by : Sd /-

Nodal Officer, District Survey Report, East Jaintia Hills District.

Chairman, Member Secretary, Sd/ - Sd/ -

District Level Task Force, District Level Task Force, District Survey Report, District Survey Report, East Jaintia Hills District. East Jaintia Hills District.

NOTE :

This Report has been prepared from the latest data submitted by the concerned Offices/ Departments. Although utmost care has been taken during typing and printing still there may be some minor mistakes for which the Nodal

Officer for District Survey Report, East Jaintia Hills cannot be held responsible.

Since Field Survey Works has been done during the rainy season (i.e. high flood period) wherein major portion of the river banks remains submerged hence only the prominent sand deposits that were or could be detected were currently taken for calculation of River Sand potential of the District (mentioned as per Field Survey in this DSR). The same data however could be updated after field verification during the dry season wherein clear picture of the sand bars could be seen for more accuracy.

Incase of some rivers e.g. Kupli River which is not at all accessible during the rainy season identification and stretches of the river sand deposits were extracted from

NESAC, Umiam, .

Isolated River Sand deposits below 200m stretch seen were negligible and hence not included in the calculation.

1. INTRODUCTION :

Source : Deputy Commissioner’s Office,Khliehriat

About District:

East Jaintia Hills District is one of the 11 (eleven) districts of the state of Meghalaya with the bifurcation of the erstwhile Jaintia Hills District into East and West Jaintia Hills District, East Jaintia Hills District came into existence on 31st July 2012 with its Head Quarter at Khliehriat. East Jaintia Hills is the home of one of the major tribes of the state of Meghalaya popularly known as the ‘Jaintias’ or the ‘Pnars’ and sub tribes like the ‘Wars’ and the ‘Biates’. It comprises all the village of two community and rural development blocks viz. Saipung community & Rural Development Block and Khliehriat Community & Rural Development Block with the following boundaries:  North – West Jaintia Hills District and .  South – and Assam.  East – Assam.  West – West Jaintia Hills District.

Now, therefore the Governor of Meghalaya is please to order that the Khliehriat Civil Sub- Division be upgraded into a district to be named as “East Jaintia Hills District” with headquarter at Khliehriat.

History:

East Jaintia Hills District was upgraded from the erstwhile Khliehriat Civil Sub- Division. Prior to the establishment of a Sub-Division, there was an Administrative Unit set up in August 14, 1976 with an objective to bring administration closer to the people at the grass- root level. After five and a half year, the unit was upgraded into a full-fledged Civil Sub-Division in May 27, 1982 with the Sub-Divisional Officer as an administrative head and then upgraded to a District on 31st July 2012 when Meghalaya Government took ample steps to create four more districts in 2012.

Geographical Location, Area and Climatic Condition:

East Jaintia Hills District is located at the eastern most part of Meghalaya. It covers an area of 2040 sq. Kms. It stands at a altitude of 1200 meters above sea level and is located between 250.17~30: 250.22~40 Latitude and 920.15~20: 920.23~30 Longitude. It is bounded by Bangladesh in the South, North Cachar Hills District in the East and West Jaintia Hills District in the North and West. Its distance from the state capital is 97 Kms at the National Highway 44 Connecting and the eastern part of Assam pass through the district.

Like the other parts of the state, East Jaintia Hills District has a very pleasant climate. The area experiences a tropical monsoon climate. The rainy season occur from mid May to September while the months of October and November are a bit cold. In the winter months the climate is pretty cold and almost similar to that of the state capital. In general, the climate of the area is of a moderate type.

Administrative Units: Deputy Commissioner’s Office

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) is the head of the District administration and is the executive head as well as judicial head of the district. The DC is aided by a number of officers like Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sub-Divisional Officers of Civil Sub-Divisions and Extra Assistant Commissioners to assist him in different type of activities. As executive head the DC plays an important role in coordinating with all developmental heads of the district for all round developmental activities under various programmes such as M.P. schemes (MPLAD), MLA’s scheme, Border area development funds, Employment assurance schemes and so on. The District Planning Officer is assigned to see, formulate and release funds for the development schemes. There also exists the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) and the DC is the chairman of the said agency. The Project Director is the functional head of the agency. All schemes of rural development are implemented by Block Development Officers and the necessary funds are routed through this agency.

Designation Name Phone Number Deputy Commissioner Shri. Federick M. Dopth, IAS 03655-220226 Shri. Sainpyniar S. Syiemlieh, Additional Deputy Commissioner - MCS

Block Development Officer, Shri. Sanborn Marwein, MCS. - Wapung C&RD Block Block Development Officer, Shri. Sanborn Marwein, MCS. - Saipung C&RD Block

Address:

Office of the Deputy Commissioner East Jaintia Hills District Khliehriat – 793 200 Meghalaya Phone: + 91 3658220226 E-mail: khliehriat @gov.in

Who’s Who:

Name Designation Email Address Phone Office of The Deputy Commissioner, Shri. Federick M. Deputy [email protected] East Jaintia Hills 03655230713 Dopth, IAS Commissioner District, Khliehriat- 793 200 Office of The Deputy Shri. Sainpyniar Commissioner, Addl. Deputy S. Syiemlieh, [email protected] East Jaintia Hills 03655230740 Commissioner MCS District, Khliehriat- 793 200 Office of The Deputy Commissioner, Smti. Delis M. Addl. Deputy [email protected] East Jaintia Hills 03655230713 Suja, MCS Commissioner District, Khliehriat- 793 200 Office of The Deputy Commissioner, Shri. Sanborn Extra Assistant [email protected] East Jaintia Hills 03655230713 Marwein, MCS Commissioner District, Khliehriat- 793 200

Block Administration:

Khliehriat C&RD Block:

Khliehriat Development Block was established in the year 1956. At present it covers an area of 1280 Sq Km with 99 villages as per 2011 census. Different Rural Development Projects are being implemented through this Block under different schemes both Central and State sponsored for the Development of this area.

Address:

Office of The Block Development Officer, Khliehriat C&RD Block, Khliehriat – 793 200, East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya, Phone: + 91 3655 220226

Saipung C&RD Block:

The office of the Block Development Officer, Saipung was carved out of the Khliehriat C&RD Block in April, 06, 2001 with a view to further development in the north-eastern part of the District. The Saipung C&RD Block covers an area of 835 sq. Kms. It consists of 107 villages as per 2011 census.

Address:

Office of The Block Development Officer, Saipung C&RD Block, Saipung – 793 200, East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya, Phone: + 91 3655 220226

Literacy rate of the District:

The District literacy rate as per 2011 census stands at 53%.

Significance and importance of the District:

Jaintia Hills District is rich in mineral resources like coal and limestone. It has a total deposit of 37.25 million tonnes of coal and 1054 million tonnes of limestone. Besides these two main natural resources, the area is also rich in forest produce. In term of agriculture, people cultivate rice as the major crop. Besides rice they also cultivate bettle-nut (kwai) and bettle-leaves (pathi/tympew), potato, sweet potato, maize, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, etc. Most of the farmers in the area are depending on seasonal rainfall as only a few portion of the land are covered under irrigational system.

Historical importance :

The total population of the District is 1,22,436 inhabiting in 206 villages. The District literacy rate as per 2011 census stands at 53%. Majority of the inhabitants of the Sub-Division are economically poor though some portion of the population are wealthy enough and live a life far above the Poverty Line due to the presence of mineral wealth like coal and limestone and other agricultural products. Pnar tribe constitutes one of the main tribes residing in the district. Other tribes who live in different parts of the district include Biate, Hmar, Garo, Khasi and War. Pnar language is the common language spoken by the people of the district. Jaintias are also known as Syngtengs and Pnars. Their kingdom was the oldest one and widely spread over the hilly areas of the Jaintia Hills District. The origin of the Jaintia kingdom is unknown. The capital, Jaitiapur, now ruined, was located on the plains at the foot of the Jaintia Hills. Jaintia people are rich in their cultural heritage. Their culture reflects the traditions, music, dances, arts and crafts of Jaintia tribe. The tribe is famous for artistic weaving, would carving and cane and bamboo works. These are also the main crafts of the tribe. They are also famous for weaving of carpet and silk and the making of musical instruments, jewellery and pine apple fibre articles. Jaintia men wear Jymphong and dhoti while the women wrap several pieces of cloths so as to give a cylindrical shape. During functions they wear crowns of silver and gold with peak attached at the back of it. Jaintias are a matrilineal society which is a very rare and unique practice were the children take the identity or family title solely from the mother. Women are very lucky in this way, because they are treated with equal rights but the head of the family is always the father. Amongst the Jaintias, it is the youngest daughter who inherits the property and has the obligation to take care and look after the family members in case of any financial or health problems. The main language widely used by the inhabitants of this districts is the Pnar language. However, the official language is English. The other languages spoken in the district in the coal mining areas Biate, Hindi, Nepali, Bengali and Assamese, etc....The main occupation in the District is the coal mining business. However, the inhabitant of the Southern most part of the district bordering Bangladesh sustain their livelihood by Bettle Nut plantation. Apart from that this district is enriched with other mineral resources such as limestone and due to its natural existence ten (10) nos. Of Cement plants have been established in the district.

The two most importance festivals celebrated by the Jaintias are the Behdiengkhlam festival and Laho dance festival. Behdiengkhlam festival is held generally in the rainy season of July or August. This festival is also regarded as the most colourful festival of the Jaintias. Laho dance, also known as the Chipiah dance is performed for sheer entertainment. Jaintias Hills offer some of the most stunning natural sights in Meghalaya. The green surroundings, high plateaus, deep valleys, rambling rivers, and cascading waterfalls are feast for the eyes. Nartiang in the Jaintia Hills is the site of a collection of giant Monoliths, some are among the tallest in the world. There is an ancient Durga Temple which was once used for human sacrifice.

Tourist Places :

Moopun Waterfalls:

Moopun Waterfalls is situated at river Umjhai at Mutong village. It is at a distance of about 10 Km from the NH 44 junction at Kongong and 25 Km equidistant from and Khliehriat. It is only 300 Meters away from the PWD road to the top of the Moopun Falls. From the vehicle parking it takes only about 5 minutes walk to the bottom of the Moopun Falls and 3 minutes walk to the Stone Bridge. The scintillating Moopun Falls touches the crystal water on the beach at the bottom from a height of 110 feet and a 50 feet width and calmly flows down to the famous Myntdu river in Jaintia Hils. On top of the Moopun Waterfalls lies the iconic and magical Stone Bridge connecting both sides of the Umjhai river. Below the Stone Bridge the water drop down from a height of 20 feet to form a Natural Swimming Pool. This beautiful and spectacular Swimming Pool is 75 feet in length and 50 feet wide. It is a perfect natural swimming pool to cool down and recreate oneself with nature.

Tisang River:

Tisang River can be approached from the village of Borghat which is about 50 km form the district headquarter, Khliehriat.This beautiful and scenic river is surrounded by forests and villages along its path and it is a hot spot for river- side camping for the adventurous few.

Umhang Lake:

Located at Bataw village, at a distance of 29 km from the District Headquarter, it is the largest natural lake in Jaintia Hills. Bataw village is connected by an all-season road by travelling through Rymbai village South ward. According to legends, an old lady a cattle bearer from Watea (Bataw) village belonging to the Suchiang clan, owing to scorching heat, was thirsty and in search of water. She scratched (kboh) the earth for water and suddenly a spring of water swell out on the air (hang ne her ha suin) like a fountain. Instantaneously a large quantity of water streamed there at the place and thus the lake was formed. The old lady who scratched for water disappeared in the lake as she bent to reach for the water to fill her thirst. Umhang is a word coined from two different words – “Um” in pnar dialect meaning “water”, “Hang” meaning “on the air” (her ha suin).

Lukha River and Lukha Bridge at Sonapur:

Lukha river and Lukha Bridge is located at a distance of 40 km from Khliehriat. The river is beautifully bounded by beautiful mountains and landscape on both sides as it is flowing downward to Bangladesh. Lukha bridge, the is longest bridge in the district. It is a concrete arc bridge with support only at the edges. It is the main bridge connecting the state with the eastern part of Assam.

Borghat Temple:

Borghat Temple is lying in the centre of Borghat Village (Shilliangpusi), which is located as a distance of 49 km from Khliehriat and just a few kilometres away from Bataw Village. The temple is made of bricks surrounded by humble plain brick wall which exists till today near the “Borkhat Palace” as a neglected monument. It has unique beautiful carvings on it. U Bor Kusein, the Jaintia ruler came under the influence of Hinduism and was the first rulers to embraced Hinduism and hence he built the Borkhat Temple for worshiping. It is primarily a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In olden days, the Jaintia kings performed animal sacrifices in the temple.

Rynji Falls:

Rynji Falls located in the western part of the District bordering West Jaintia Hills District is located in a less accessible area which can be reached via a few hours walk from the nearest road. This mighty looking waterfall runs along a path of rocky terrain which renders it quite unique with its dangerous- looking yet mesmerizing appeal.

Map of the District

2. OVERVIEW OF MINING ACTIVITY IN THE DISTRICT :

Source : Divisional Forest Officer Territorial’s Office,Jowai

Types of minor mineral found Sand, limestone, boulders Requirements and uses : Limestone to use in limestone kiln, for manufacturing of lime used in building material construction and for export Boulder construction Sand construction Method of extraction of sand, hill sand Not available Presence of industries consuming Not available minor minerals Sand mining blocks/ stretches / Not available villages Nos. of stone crushers present in the 1 (One) district

List of the Stone Crusher

Sl. Name of the Owner Area No.

Shri. Silbinus Sukhlain Madan Rya Lumthari, Dkhiah 1 Elaka Nongkhlieh East Jaintia Hills District.

3. LIST OF MINING LEASES IN THE DISTRICT WITH LOCATION, AREA AND PERIOD OF

VALIDITY : Source : Divisional Forest Officer Territorial’s Office, Jowai

Area of Periods of Mining of Sl. Name of the Mining Mining Lease Location of the Mining Lease Name of the Lessee No Mineral Lease (Initial) ( Latitude/Longitude) (ha.)

From To Shnongrim Village, Sutnga East Jaintia Hills District 1. Limestone Shri. Adelphin Pyrngap 1.00 13.08.18 13.08.2028 25˚ 20’ 39.3” N 92˚ 32’ 41.4” E Pillar No. 11 Mootyngkrong, Latyrke East Jainta Hills District 2. Limestone Shri. Ephiyoo Mukhim 4.310 24.08.18 24.08.2039 25˚ 19’ 05.4” N 92˚ 28’ 45.2” E Pillar No. 5 Umkroh, Lumshnong, East Jaintia Hills District. 3. Limestone Smt. Yookani Passah 3.316 14.12.18 14.12.2025 25˚ 10’ 09.5” N 92˚ 22’ 00.4” E Pillar No. 8 Wahpynkon, Lumshnong East Jaintia Hills District 4. Limestone Shri. Emlangki Lamare 4.922 13.05.19 13.05.2028 25˚ 09’ 54.5” N 92˚ 24’ 06.0” E Pillar No. D

LIST OF MINING LEASES GRANTED FROM JAINTIA HILLS ON MAJOR MINERAL

Source: Divisional Mining Office,Jowai

Sl Area Lease Date of Minerals Name of Lease Location Date of Grant Remarks No. (Hectares) Period Execution 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Tohsniang, 1 LIMESTONE Jaintia Cement Ltd. 11.083 20Yrs 7-11-1988 23-12-1988 Expired Jaintia Hills Dist. Meghalaya Minerals & Mines Pvt. Umjri-Shiahtah Lumshnong 2 LIMESTONE 4.2 20Yrs 11-10-2001 3-04-2002 - Ltd. Jaintia Hills Dist LIMESTONE/ Lumshnong, Jaintia Hills 3 Cement Manufacturing Co. Ltd. 4.96 20Yrs 20-11-2004 17-01-2005 - SANDSTONE Dist. Khliehjri Thangskai 4 LIMESTONE Meghalaya Cement 4.9 20Yrs 15-6-2006 21-06-2006 - Jaintia Hills Dist. LIMESTONE/ Lumshnong, 5 Cement Manufacturing Co. Ltd. 4.70 20Yrs 14-01-2006 2-06-2006 - SANDSTONE Jaintia Hills Dist. Lumshnong, 6 LIMESTONE Cement Manufacturing Co. Ltd. 4.85 20Yrs 14-01-2006 2-06-2006 - Jaintia Hills Dist. Mooiong, Cheruphi village 7 LIMESTONE Meghalaya Cement 4.80 20Yrs 29-01-2007 8-03-2007 - Jaintia Hills Dist. Mootang Thangskai 8 LIMESTONE M/s Adhunik Cement Ltd. 4.9 20Yrs 14-09-2009 25-09-2009 - Jaintia Hills Block-I Mootang Thangskai 9 LIMESTONE M/s Adhunik Cement Ltd. 4.9 20Yrs 14-09-2009 25-09-2009 - Jaintia Hills Block-II Wahiajer Narpuh Elaka 10 LIMESTONE M/s JUD Cement Ltd. 4.76 30Yrs 7-05-2009 22-06-2009 - Jaintia Hiss Dist. M/s Adhunik Cement Ltd. Vill Block-IV Umsoo Mootang 26-07-2010 4.9 11 LIMESTONE Thangskai P.O Lumshnong J. Thangskai Vill. 20Yrs No. 6-08-2010 - (Block IV) Hills Dist. Jaintia Hiss Dist. MG.3/09/20 Location Mynkre Village 12 LIMESTONE M/s Hills Cement Ltd. 4.00 20Yrs 16-11-2010 9-12-2010 - Jaintia Hills Dist. Umsoo-Mootang, Thangskai 4.90 13 LIMESTONE M/s Adhunik Cement Ltd. Village East Jaintia Hills 50Yrs 14-12-2016 21-12-2016 - (B-III) Dist.

Umsoo-Mootang, area of 128.52 14 LIMESTONE M/s Adhunik Cement Thangskai Village East Jaintia 50Yrs 14-12-2016 21-12-2016 - (B-V) Hills Dist. Wahpynkon, Lumshnong Vill. 15 LIMESTONE Star Cement Ltd. 13.58 50Yrs 4-01-2017 9-01-2017 - East Jaintia Hills Dist. Lumshnong vill. East Jaintia 16 LIMESTONE Star Cement Ltd. 70 50Yrs 4-01-2017 10-01-2017 - Hills Dist. South Khliehjari vill. 17 LIMESTONE Meghalaya Cement Ltd. Thangskai P.O Lumshnong 31.05 50Yrs 4-01-2017 10-01-2017 - East Jaintia Hills Dist.

4. DETAILS OF ROYALTY OR REVENUE RECEIVED IN THE

LAST THREE YEARS : Source : Divisional Forest Officer Territorial’s Office,Jowai

Details of Royalty Collected from Sand from East Jaintia Hills District :

Amount Year Quantity m3 Rate @ Rs. (Rs.) 2016-17 308.66 @ 90/- 27,779/- 2017-18 709.03 @90/- 63,831/- 2018-19 340.87 @90/- 30,678/-

Details of Royalty Collected of Limestone from East Jaintia Hills District :

Year Quantity (mt) Amount (Rs.) 2016-17 1,14,952 mt. 91,96,160.00 2017-18 6,318 mt. 5,05,440.00 2018-19 2,79,394 mt. 2,24,77,520.00

STATEMENT SHOWING THE REVENUE COLLECTION ON MAJOR MINERAL FOR THE YEAR

2016-2017,2017-2018,2018-2019 AT DIVISIONAL MINING OFFICE, JOWAI.

Source : Divisional Mining Office, Jowai

Royalty on Royalty on Royalty on Royalty on Mineral Cess on Period Royalty on Coal Limestone Shale Sandstone Slate Limestone

2016 - 2017 1019058279 184271827 34500000 155428 8496628 139344943

2017 - 2018 1020864145 371020072 Nil 147033 2895120 228633290

2018 - 2019 212126877 454698086 25000000 269976 205904756 350037726

Grand Total 2252049301 1009989985 59500000 572437 217296504 718015959

5. DETAILS OF PRODUCTION OF SAND OR BAJRI (GRAVEL / AGGREGATE) OR MINOR MINERALS IN THE LAST THREE YEARS : Source : Divisional Forest Officer Territorial’s Office, Jowai

There is no estimation/studies pertaining to production of sand or Bajri/Minor Mineral in respect of Jaintia Hills District that has been carried out till date. Hence, the information pertaining to the same may be treated as nil.

6. PROCESS OF DEPOSITION OF SEDIMENTS IN THE RIVERS

Source : Executive Engineer,Water Resources, Khliehriat

The main rivers in East Jaintia Hills District includes Myntdu, Kupli, Lukha and Letein . The Myntdu River originates from Mih-Myntdu village (West Jaintia Hills District), the Lukha river originates near Sakhain village and both of these rivers flow southwards to the Meghna Basin in Bangladesh, the Kupli River originates from the Saipung reserve forest (bordering with Assam) and it flows northwards to the Brahmaputra Basin in Assam. The Letein river originates near Tangnub village and it meets the Sarbang and other rivers before meeting the Kupli river at the border of Meghalaya and Assam. There are no available records on sediment load transport in the river systems in the district so the details cannot be furnished at the moment. Moreover, the study regarding the erosion, transportation and deposition of sediments in the river network of the district has not been carried out by our department so far. The general slope direction/gradient etc. also cannot be provided at the moment, due to non availability of resources such as GIS and Remote Sensing software along with high resolution Digital Elevation Model. However, the above information can perhaps be obtained in consultation with NESAC.

7. GENERAL PROFILE OF THE DISTRICT :

Source : Deputy Commissioner’s Office,Khliehriat

Geographical area 2,04,000 Hectares.

C&RD Blocks (1) Khliehriat (2) Saipung.

Population 1,22,939 (as per 2011 Census).

Net Area Sown 11,152 Hectares.

Gross Cropped Area 11,207 Hectares.

Waste Land 7,100 Hectares.

Follow land 14,578 Hectares.

8. LAND UTILIZATION PATTERN IN THE DISTRICT : FOREST, AGRICULTURE, MINING, ETC : Source : District Agriculture Office, Khliehriat & District Horticulture Office, Khliehriat

LAND USE PATTERN IN :

The existing land use pattern in different regions in India has been evolved as the result of the action and interaction of various factors taken together such as the physical characteristic of the land, the structure of resources like, capital and labour available and the location of the region in relation to other aspect of economic development.

LAND USE PATTERN IN EAST JAINTIA HILLS DISTRICT, MEGHALAYA

Total Area in Sl Classification of Land the District Remarks No. (in Ha) 1. Geographical Area 2,04,000 2. Reporting Area 2,03,641

3. Land under miscellaneous, tree 12,200 crops & grooves etc As per District 4. Cultivable Wasteland 62,360 Statistical Record 5. Fallow lands other than 9,168 current fallows 2018-19 6. Current fallows 5,410 7. Net Area Sown 11,152 8. Area sown more than once 55 9. Total Cropped Areas 11,207

Source : Divisional Forest Officer (T), Jowai ; Divisional Forest Officer (WL), Jowai and Divisional Forest Officer (SF), Jowai Reserved Forests 251.77 sq km

Eco-Sensitive Zone including Wildlife 194.23 sq km Sanctuary Social Forestry Plantation 684 Ha

9. PHYSIOGRAPHY OF THE DISTRICT :

Source : District Soil & water Conservation Office(T), Khliehriat

East Jaintia hills district being a component of Meghalaya plateau has its physiographic features similar to that of East Khasi Hills District.

The Physiography of the district can be classified into three physiographic unit:

1. Northern Hills - area of low undulating hills gradually sloping down towards Kupli River valley.

2. Central plateau- the area of high elevation including the district headquarter. 3. Southern Hills- the steep slopes overlooking the south facing Bangladesh plain.

In general, the whole District is full of rugged and undulating terrains with the exception of the deep gorges, steep precipice and narrow valleys carved out by the River Lukha, Kupli, Myntdu, and a good number of other turbulent streams that drain out all over the District.

The Hills ranges rise to the Maximum altitude of about 1590mts above sea level. The lowest point in the area is situated in the southern part of the district. The general topography of the area is undulating in nature often covered with grass land of enormous size dotted with pine trees. The north and eastern parts of the district are of moderate to steep slope (5-200) area. The central highland zone of the District though falls under high altitude zone shows moderate slope (5-100) due to prolonged erosional activities over the area. A long strip of moderately steep slope (10 - 150 and 15 - 200) is seen through the places like Wapung, Khliehriat, Mynkre and it ends at Ratacherra near Bangladesh border. A small patch of steep slope (200) is found near Khaddum where relief rainfall occurs frequently. Near the many Rivers and its tributaries the ground becomes comparatively steeper.

The District is drained in the north and north-eastern partby the Kupli River and in the southern part by the Lukha River, the west and south-western part drains into the Myntdu River (Tisang). The main tributaries of the major river are, Myntriang and Waikhyrwi are the tributaries of Kupli, Umsyllih is the tributary of Myntduandthe Lunar drained into the Lukha River. The overall drainage patterns vary from normal to a naturally high system.

Soil The district shows different types of soils as the provenance differs widely. Loamy soil is the most prevalent one. The most common Soil texture in the District differs from coarse loamy surface to loamy skeletal with top humus layer of about 4cm deep. The depth of Soil generally varies between 20cm to 180cm, chemically the Soils are acidic in nature (ph value 6 and below) low in Nitrogen and Phosphorous and medium in Potassium content.

10. RAINFALL : MONTHWISE :

Source : District Agriculture Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat

AVERAGE RAINFALL IN THE DISTRICT MONTHWISE

Sl No. Year Months Average Remarks rainfall in mm 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2017 - Nil Data 2017-2018 till 2. 2018 - Nil March 2019 was lost due to technical problem (formatting and reinstallation of AWS was done from 31/03/2019. 3. 2019 April 38.46 mm May 55.82 mm June 79.11 mm July 50.35 mm August 46.57 mm September 64.36 mm

11. GEOLOGY AND MINERAL WEALTH :

Source : Divisional Mining Office,Jowai

GEOLOGY OF EAST JAINTIA HILLS DISTRICT

The migmatites of Assam Meghalaya Gneissic Complex (AMGC) of Achaean (?) to Proterozoic age occupy the oldest rocks. They are intruded by grey/pink granite/porphyritic granite of Mylliemgranitoid of Neoproterozoic to early Palaeozoic age.Lower Tertiary sediments belonging to the Jaintia Group of rocks are exposed in Jaintia Hills. The Assam Meghalaya Gneissic Complex is unconformably overlain by the Tertiary sediments. The Tertiary sediments are thick, extensive and are divided into three groups, viz. a) the Khasi Group, b) the Jaintia Group and c) the Barail Group. The Cretaceous Tertiary rocks of Mahadek Formation of the Khasi Group commence with feldspathic sandstone, conglomerate and clay.The Jaintia Group is a calcareous facies and has been divided into two formations viz. Shella Formation and Kopili Formation. Mahadek Formation is overlain by Shella Formation of Eocene Age. Tertiary rocks of Jaintia Group consist of Shella and Kopili formations and comprise of fossiliferous limestone, sandstone, coal, fireclay and shalehaving phosphatic nodules.Rengi Formation of Barail Group characterised by sandstone, carbonaceous shale with conglomerate and limestone is found at places.

MINERAL RESERVES/RESOURCES AND POTENTIAL OCCURRENCES Limestone and coal are the important economic minerals associated with the rock formations of the area. Coal occurs as impersistent bands of variable thickness associated with Sylhet sandstone in the south of Rymbai and NE of Sutnga. Coal is of lignite to bituminous quality, hard, lumpy and contains high moisture and Sulphur. Limestone is exposed in the south eastern part of the district. Upper Sylhet Limestone member of Shella Formation has been targeted for limestone resources majorly belonging to Cement (Blendeble and Beneficial) grades and minor amount of SMS grade. The major exploration activities for limestone are concentrated only in Litang Valley and Mawlong-Ishamati areas. a total resource of 10,119.28 million Tonnes (including reserves published by DMR in Siju and adjoining areas). Out of this total reserve, 8468.76 million Tonnes are under “Indicated” category and 1650.52 million Tonnes are under “Inferred” category. Limestone exploration was launched during F.S.1992-93 and is being continued up to 2018-2019 in different blocks (27 blocks) in order to assess the reserves of limestone. Good quality Kaolin occurs around Smit and Laitlyngkot in East Khasi Hills, Thadlaskein, Shangpung, Mulieh and Mynsngat in Jaintia hills and Darugiri in East Garo Hills districts. China clay, suitable for pottery manufacture, has been reported from several places in Sutnga area. It occurs associated with Sylhet Sandstone or as an altered product of feldspar in granites and gneisses.

EAST JAINTIA HILLS DISTRICT

Sl.no Name of Location District GPS Mode of Uses Requirement/Demand Minerals Coordinates Occurence 1 Limestone Covering East Jaintia Occurs as thick Used in cement,glass There is huge demand Lumshnong Hills 25°12'10.21"N layered bedded making industry,used to of Limestone of any area District 92°23'6.52"E deposits. neutralized acidity,as grade in the state both building material, in the domestic manufacturing of requirements and o Nongkhlieh East Jaintia 25 19’25” N iron,quicklime,slacked outside the state since o area Hills 92 33’25”E lime.Used in toothpaste or the state share an District paints, as a reagent in flue- international border In and East Jaintia gas desulphurization. with Bangladesh. around Hills 25°23'50.54"N Source of Calcium in - Lytang District 92°28'38.97"E bread and cereals.Also Valley used in medicines and Lakadong East Jaintia cosmetics area Hills 25°10'60.00"N District 92°16'60.00"E

(a). District wise detail of River or Stream and other Sand Source : Source : Executive Engineer, water Resources,Khliehriat

Drainage System with description of main rivers :

Sl Area drained % area drained in Name of River No. (sq.km) the District 1 Myntdu River 371.27 (approx) 78% (approx.)

2 Kupli River 521.10 (approx) 70% (approx)

3 Lukha River 518.69 (approx) 100 % (Approx)

4 Letein River 114.00 (approx) 100 % (Approx)

Salient feature of important Rivers or Streams Total length Altitude at Sl. in the district Name of river/Streams Place of origin origin No (Km) (AMSL) (Approx) 1 Myntdu river 75.50 Mihmyntdu 4236 feet 2 Kopli river 75.00 Reserve Forest Saipung 4019 feet 3 Letein river 26.70 Tangnup 3017 feet 4 Lukha river 41.50 Sakhain 3080 feet 5 Apha River 13.00 Narpuh Reserve forest 933 feet 6 Umkiang Stream 4.26 NarpuhReserve forest 491 feet 7 Malidor river 9.85 Narpuh Reserve forest 463 feet 8 Myntriang river 20.60 Sohkymphor 4067 feet 9 Sarbang river 31.70 Narwan 3749 feet 10 Sabi stream 8.10 Jalaphet 3496 feet 11 Wai Khyrwi Stream 9.49 Jyliah 3984 feet 12 Um Suwai Stream 36.50 Iongkaluh 4152 feet 13 Lamu Stream 8.26 Iapmala 3590 feet 14 Umkhlu Stream 11.00 Wahsarang 3742 feet 15 Tangnup Stream 12.00 Rngat 3756 feet 16 Mynkseh Stream 17.20 Jalyiah 4081 feet 17 Kyrhooh Khla Stream 2.50 Jalyiah 4187 feet 18 Umsngat Stream 7.44 Myndihati 3233 feet 19 Wah Prang 30.70 Umsatai 2210 feet 20 Wah Blai Stream 12.00 Rngat 3756 feet 21 Lunar Stream 28.20 Sakhain 3081 feet 22 Umthe Stream 8.19 Tangsko 2684 feet 23 Umshyrtong Stream 7.00 Mynkre 2350 feet 24 Wah Shyngktat Stream 2.10 Narpuh reserve forest 1975 feet 25 Lenju Stream 10.40 Narpuh reserve forest 2229 feet 26 Khanghan Stream 9.69 Narpuh reserve forest 1809 feet 27 Wah Maneng stream 12.00 Narpuh reserve forest 1699 feet 28 Dengloi Stream 9.71 Ngaibang 2550 feet 29 Umphung Tei dung stream 21.20 Saipung reserve forest 3457 feet 30 Shini dung river 28.30 Saipung reserve forest 3856 feet

(b). District wise availability of Sand or Gravel or Aggregate Resources :

Source : Divisional Forest Officer Territorial’s Office, Jowai The studies/estimation on availability of sand or Gravel or Aggregate was not done in respect of Jaintia Hills District till date.

(c). District wise details of existing mining lease of sand and aggregates :

Source : Divisional Forest Officer Territorial’s Office, Jowai

As of now there is no Mining lease of sand that has been granted.

1. Myntdu River :

Length of Average Mineable Portion of Area area width of mineral river or recommen- recommen- area Total potential(in stream ded for Sl ded for recommen- quantity metric recommen- mineral Remarks No. mineral ded for in metric tonne) ded for concession concession mineral tonne (60% of mineral (in square (in concession total mineral concession meter) kilometers) (in meters) potential)

Borghat - 3.715 45 1,67,175 376143.75 225686.25 As per Field Kwator Survey

2. Cham 0.05 10 Negligible

Cham

TOTAL 225686.25

Mineral Potential :

Total mineable Boulder (MT) Bajari (MT) Sand (MT) mineral potential Remarks (MT) Nil Nil 2,25,686.25 2,25,686.25

- - - -

2. Lukha River :

Portion of river Length of area Average width of Area recommen- Mineable mineral or stream recommen-ded area ded for mineral potential (in metric Sl Total quantity recommen-ded for mineral recommen-ded for concession tonne) (60% of Remarks No. in metric tonne for mineral concession mineral concession (in square total mineral concession (in kilometers) (in meters) meter) potential) 1. Sunapur 1.10 40 44,000 99,000 59,400 As per Field (upstream) Survey Sunapur 2. 0.4 60 No sand only rocks towards Shymplong 3. Kuliang - 0.1 20 Negligible

Borsora TOTAL 59,400

Mineral Potential :

Total mineable Boulder Bajari (MT) Sand (MT) Remarks mineral (MT) potential (MT)

The whole stretch of Lukha River falls under the Eco-sensitive Zone, Nil Nil 59,400 59,400 Narpuh Wildlife

Sanctuary & Reserved Forest

3. Letein River :

Average width of Portion of river or Length of area Area recommen- Mineable mineral area stream recommen- ded for mineral Total potential (in metric recommen- Sl recommen- ded for mineral concession quantity in tonne) (60% of Remarks ded for mineral No. ded for concession (in square metric tonne total mineral concession mineral concession (in kilometers) meter) potential) (in meters) As per Field Survey 1. Muriap 0.5 30 15,000 33,750 20,250 ( Ratio of River sand : Earth is 95 :5) TOTAL 20,250

Semasi-Letein 0.085 30 Negligible

(Shympan- doh) Semasi-Letein 0.03 3 Negligible

(Pyndung) Semasi-Letein 0.09 15 Negligible

(Tyngklong) TOTAL -

Mineral Potential :

Bajari (MT) Sand (MT) Total mineable River Boulder(MT) mineral potential Remarks portion (95 % assumed) (MT) Muriap Nil Nil 19,237.5 19,237.5

Total mineable River Bajari (MT) Sand (MT) Boulder(MT) mineral potential Remarks portion (MT)

Semasi- Letein - - - -

(all the three locations)

4. Apha River :

Average width of Portion of river Area recommen- Mineable mineral area Total or stream Length of area recommen- ded for mineral potential (in Sl. recommen- quantity in recommen- ded for mineral concession concession metric tonne) Remarks No ded for mineral metric ded for mineral (in kilometers) (in square (60% of total concession tonne concession meter) mineral potential) (in meters) As per Field Survey

(Ratio of 1. Lumsoski 1.01 25 25,250 56,812.5 34,087.5 River sand :Earth : Gravel is 40 : 40 : 20)

TOTAL 34,087.5

Mineral Potential :

Boulder Bajari (MT) Total Sand (MT) River mineable Remarks portion (MT) (20 % assumed) mineral (40 % assumed) potential (MT) Lumsoski Nil 6817.5 13, 635 34,087.5

5. Kupli River :

Portion of river Length of area Average width of Area recommen- Mineable mineral Total or stream recommended area ded for mineral potential (in metric Sl. quantity in recommen- for mineral recommended for concession tonne) (60% of Remarks No metric ded for mineral concession mineral concession (in square total mineral tonne concession (in kilometers) (in meters) meter) potential)

Kupli beyond Umkyrpong 1. Plot 1 Data from 0.2468 - 2894.52 6512.67 3907.602 NESAC,Umiam 0.2121 - 4862.9 10941.525 6564.915 Data from Plot 2 NESAC,Umiam TOTAL 10472.517

Mineral Potential :

Total mineable Boulder (MT) Bajari (MT) Sand (MT) mineral Remarks potential (MT) - - 10472.517 10472.517

6. Malidor River :

Length of Average Portion of Area Mineable area width of river or recommen- mineral recommen- area stream ded for Total potential (in Sl. ded for recommen- recommen- mineral quantity in metric tonne) Remarks No mineral ded for ded for concession metric tonne (60% of total concession mineral mineral (in square mineral (in concession concession meter) potential) kilometers) (in meters) 1. 0.3 30 No sand only rocks As per Field Malidor Survey TOTAL -

Mineral Potential :

Total mineable Boulder (MT) Bajari (MT) Sand (MT) mineral Remarks potential (MT) - - - -