Rampant Illegal Sand Mining Threatens Agricultural Lands in West Kamrup

Allegations of illegal sand mining in West Kamrup's agricultural areas have raised serious concerns among residents. Heavy machinery is reportedly being used openly, leading to the degradation of fertile lands and disruption of farming activities. Locals are demanding urgent intervention from authorities, questioning the lack of action against these operations. Environmental activists warn of long-term ecological damage, urging for immediate investigations. The community is left wondering who is allowing these illegal activities to continue unchecked within forest-controlled areas.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 27, 2026, 16:55 IST

Concerns Over Illegal Sand Mining Activities

PALASBARI, Feb 27: Reports have emerged regarding widespread illegal sand mining in various agricultural regions within the Loharghat Range of the West Kamrup Forest Division. These activities are allegedly taking place openly during the day with the use of heavy machinery.

Local residents indicate that farmlands in the villages of Joji, Marabhitha, and Ghoramara, located in the Palasbari LAC, have been transformed into sites resembling commercial sand mining operations. Excavators, including JCBs and tractors, are reportedly operating continuously in these agricultural areas, despite their classification under forest jurisdiction.

Community members have voiced significant concerns regarding the unregulated sand extraction, highlighting the rapid degradation of fertile agricultural land. The extensive excavation activities are disrupting farming operations and raising alarms about potential long-term environmental repercussions, such as soil erosion and diminished agricultural productivity.

Public outrage has intensified due to the perceived inaction of relevant authorities. Locals assert that officials have not intervened, even as these activities occur in plain sight. This has led to questions about the accountability of forest officials, including Subodh Talukdar, the West Kamrup Forest Division officer, and Nayanjyoti Das, the Loharghat Range Forest Officer, as illegal mining persists without restraint.

Observers suggest that the mining operations continue without any visible enforcement actions, prompting speculation about possible administrative negligence or even complicity in these activities.

Environmental advocates caution that unregulated sand extraction not only harms farmland but also jeopardizes ecological balance and groundwater stability in the vicinity. They are urging for an immediate investigation and stringent measures against those involved.

Residents and stakeholders are calling for prompt action from higher authorities to cease the illegal mining operations and rehabilitate the affected agricultural lands before irreversible harm is inflicted.

The pressing question raised by the community is who is allowing this illegal excavation to persist within forest-controlled territories.

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