Rampant Illegal Sand Mining Raises Environmental Concerns in West Kamrup

Rampant Illegal Sand Mining in Loharghat Forest Range

Palasbari, April 11: Recent allegations have surfaced regarding extensive illegal sand mining activities within the Loharghat Forest Range of the West Kamrup Forest division, highlighting a troubling connection between environmental degradation and administrative inaction.

Local reports indicate that illegal sand extraction is ongoing in various locations throughout the Loharghat range in the Palasbari LAC.

Previously fertile agricultural areas are now being transformed into active sand mining sites, with heavy machinery such as excavators, JCBs, and tractors operating openly, often during daylight hours.

Residents claim that these unregulated mining operations have significantly harmed agriculture, damaged arable land, and disrupted the ecological balance.

Experts caution that such indiscriminate mining could result in long-term issues, including riverbank erosion, reduced groundwater levels, and heightened flood risks.

Moreover, the ongoing transportation of illegally mined sand has become increasingly noticeable to the public.

Community members report that truckloads of sand are frequently seen passing through Mirza Tiniali, transporting materials sourced from the Loharghat Range to various locations.

The frequent movement of these heavily loaded trucks has raised serious concerns among locals about how these operations can persist without interruption.

Despite the visible transport of sand-laden trucks through a busy area like Mirza Tiniali, authorities have reportedly failed to implement any significant enforcement actions.

This situation has led to growing suspicions among residents regarding potential administrative negligence or intentional inaction. Locals are questioning the effectiveness of the Forest authorities, including officials from the Loharghat Range, as well as the West Kamrup Forest division, due to the lack of rigorous inspections, seizures, or crackdowns.

“The trucks pass almost every day, in plain sight. If this is happening so openly, how can the authorities claim ignorance?” a local resident expressed, echoing the widespread frustration within the community.

Compounding these concerns are allegations of an organized sand mining network operating in the vicinity. Sources suggest that the illegal extraction and supply chain has been functioning for an extended period, with sand being mined, transported, and sold without the necessary permits or environmental clearances.

There are also claims of a potential connection between certain officials and those engaged in the illegal trade, although no confirmations have been made.

Environmental advocates warn that illegal sand mining poses a significant ecological threat, disrupting river ecosystems, destroying natural habitats, and compromising the structural integrity of riverbanks.

In areas like Loharghat, where communities heavily rely on natural resources, such environmental damage could lead to severe long-term consequences.

Despite numerous complaints from villagers and escalating public concern, there has been no substantial effort to address sand mining activities thus far.

The lack of stringent enforcement, particularly in monitoring transportation routes like Mirza Tiniali, has only fueled public anger and suspicion.

Residents are now calling for immediate action from higher authorities, including the State government, and have requested a high-level inquiry into the alleged failures of both the Forest and Police departments.