Rampant Illegal Sand Mining Threatens Kolong River Ecosystem

Illegal sand mining activities in the Kolong River area of Morigaon district are raising serious environmental concerns. Locals report extensive excavation using heavy machinery, which is altering the river's natural course and threatening the livelihoods of those dependent on it. Despite government assurances of a crackdown on such activities, residents claim that illegal operations continue unabated. Environmental activists warn that these actions violate existing laws and could lead to severe ecological damage. The community is urging immediate intervention from authorities to halt these practices and protect their environment.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 14:04 IST

Environmental Crisis in Morigaon District

Morigaon, Dec 19: Reports indicate that illegal sand mining is occurring extensively in the Kolong River area, particularly within the West Dharmatul Range of the Nagaon Regional Forest Division, raising significant environmental alarms and causing distress among local communities.

Residents have reported that illegal sand extraction is rampant near Telahi in Morigaon district, where organized groups are actively mining using heavy equipment like JCBs, excavators, tractors, and dump trucks.

The riverbed of the Kolong River has been excavated to depths of five to ten feet, severely disrupting its natural flow and jeopardizing the stability of the riverbanks.

Flowing between Nagaon and Morigaon districts, the Kolong River has become a focal point for illegal sand mining, with locals claiming that sand mafia operate openly along its banks.

Allegations have surfaced that dump trucks transport sand without the necessary permits, circumventing required documentation and avoiding government taxes.

Despite assurances from Himanta Biswa Sarma about a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and illegal activities, residents assert that such mining operations persist unchecked throughout the state, including the Kolong riverine regions.

Villagers assert that officials from the West Dharmatul Range have ignored these blatant violations, allowing illegal mining to proceed continuously.

This unregulated extraction not only leads to environmental harm but also threatens the livelihoods of local workers and farmers who rely on the river.

Environmental advocates emphasize that this ongoing mining contravenes the Forest Act of 1886 and the regulations established by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which prohibit unregulated sand and soil extraction from riverbeds.

Residents are concerned that continued mining will exacerbate erosion, elevate flood risks during the monsoon season, and irreparably harm the delicate ecosystem of the Kolong River.

They have called upon the Forest Department, district administration, and pollution control authorities to conduct urgent inspections, confiscate illegal equipment, and take stringent action against those involved.

As of now, there has been no official comment from the authorities of the West Dharmatul Range regarding these serious allegations.