Meghalaya: Controversy Erupts Over 12 Tax Gates in Ri-Bhoi

The legality of 12 tax collection gates in the Ri-Bhoi district, reportedly established by the Syiem of Hima Mylliem and its Dorbar, has been brought into question by local RTI activist Manbhalang Phankon.

Phankon, a resident of Ri-Bhoi, stated on Thursday that he will seek immediate clarification from both the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the District Council Affairs (DCA) Department. His primary concern is whether the Hima Mylliem office secured the necessary permissions from the KHADC, or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Public Works Department (PWD) or district authorities, before erecting the checkpoints.

"It is still unclear whether the office of the Syiem has obtained proper authorisation for these 12 tax collection gates. If no permissions or NOCs were sought, these gates would be considered illegal," Phankon asserted.

The activist highlighted the financial strain these gates place on commuters, noting that vehicles are required to pay a fee at each gate they cross during a single trip. The reported charges are ₹200 for heavy vehicles, ₹100 for medium vehicles, and ₹50 for smaller vehicles.

According to Phankon, these 12 gates have generated a substantial revenue of ₹63.28 lakh between 2022 and 2025. He argued that the checkpoints impose an "additional financial burden on residents" rather than providing a community service. Phankon and his team are now preparing to file formal complaints with both the KHADC and the DCA Department.

The controversy follows earlier concerns raised by truck drivers, who had complained of up to 16 such gates operating in the district. In response to those complaints, KHADC Executive Member Powel Sohkhlet had previously stated that the KHADC only operates three official tax collection gates in Ri-Bhoi.