SHILLONG, JUL 10: The state government has declared the toll being collected by Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on livestock entering Meghalaya as illegal and directed the council to stop the practice immediately.

Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Minister Sanbor Shullai said the department acted after receiving a complaint about a KHADC work order issued to Francis L Nongbri of Mawlai Nongkwar.

“We received a work order from KHADC authorizing the collection of tax on animals. I asked our veterinary officials to examine whether it is legal or illegal,” Shullai said.

Following the review, the department wrote to District Council Affairs on June 30.

Quoting the communication, Shullai said, “I am directed to forward herewith a copy of the letter dated June 1 issued by KHADC to Shri Francis L Nongbri, Mawlai Nongkwar, permitting collection of toll on entry of vehicles carrying livestock at 19th Mile, Byrnihat, Ri Bhoi district for 2026-2027. You are requested to kindly inform KHADC and other ADCs that collection of toll on entry is not allowed.”

“Therefore, it is illegal. We have sent a letter from the department to disallow the district council from collecting tax on entry of livestock,” he said.

The June 1 KHADC order had authorized Nongbri to collect toll at 19th Mile, Byrnihat for the year 2026-2027.

Shullai added that the government has also asked all three Autonomous District Councils in the state to refrain from levying any entry toll on livestock, in line with existing rules on livestock movement and taxation.