Local Villagers Oppose Stone Mining Proposal Along Diyung Riverbed

Residents and village leaders in Dima Hasao have formally objected to a proposed stone mining project along the Diyung riverbed, citing serious ecological risks and procedural violations. The community demands immediate withdrawal of the proposal, emphasizing the need for public consultation and environmental safeguards. Past mining activities have already caused significant damage to local ecosystems, raising alarms about the potential consequences of further exploitation. If their demands are not met, the villagers are prepared to take democratic action and pursue legal avenues to protect their environment and livelihoods.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 10, 2026, 12:27 IST

Community Concerns Over Mining Plans

File image of Diyung Riverbed in Dima Hasao (Photo: AT)

Haflong, Oct 10: Residents along with gaon burhas (village leaders) from nine villages in the Hadingma MAC Constituency of Dima Hasao district have formally objected to a proposed stone mining project along the Diyung riverbed. This objection was submitted to the divisional forest officer (DFO) of the Dima Hasao forest division (west).

The objection, dated October 5, 2026, addresses plans to extract stone from the Diyung riverbed, extending from the Diyung RCC bridge to Lodingbra (downstream). This initiative, reportedly developed under the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) and awaiting forest approval, has sparked significant concern and discontent among local indigenous populations.

In their official memorandum, representatives from villages including Disru-Raji, Berelangdisa, Hojai, Jorai, Samparidisa, Nobdi Daulagupu, Gurbari, Disagutu, and Boro Longren highlighted serious procedural and legal breaches. They claimed the project was initiated without necessary public consultations, consent from the gram sabha, or a social impact assessment (SIA).

Furthermore, the memorandum accused the mining proposal of being artificially divided into smaller segments, a tactic that local leaders believe is intended to evade mandatory public hearings and rigorous environmental evaluations.

Local representatives expressed concerns about ecological impacts, referencing previous stone extraction activities along the Harangajao, Mahur, and Jatinga rivers, which led to significant riverbank erosion, loss of aquatic life, depletion of groundwater, and irreversible harm to local agriculture and livelihoods.

“Both rivers are now devastated and ecologically compromised, serving as stark reminders of the risks associated with unregulated riverbed mining,” the memorandum stated, cautioning that similar activities on the Diyung river, a vital source for drinking water, irrigation, and fishing, could result in an environmental disaster affecting thousands of tribal residents.

The villagers and gaon burhas have outlined several key demands to the forest administration: an immediate halt and complete withdrawal of the proposed stone mining project along the Diyung; cancellation of all related surveys, proposals, and approvals that were initiated without prior public consultation; full transparency regarding all documents, surveys, and maps associated with the proposal; and strict adherence to requirements for public hearings and obtaining free, prior, and informed consent from affected villages before any future actions.

The signatories warned that if the mining proposal is not retracted promptly, they will be forced to initiate democratic protests, file formal complaints with higher authorities, and pursue legal action in relevant environmental forums and courts.