Rampant Illegal Sand Mining Threatens Kolong River Ecosystem
Environmental Crisis in Morigaon District
Morigaon, Dec 19: The Kolong River area is facing severe environmental challenges due to widespread illegal sand mining, particularly in the West Dharmatul Range of the Nagaon Regional Forest Division. This situation is causing significant distress among local communities.
Residents report that illegal sand extraction is rampant near Telahi in Morigaon district, where organized groups are using heavy machinery like JCBs, excavators, and dumpers for mining activities.
The riverbed has been excavated to depths of five to ten feet, which is drastically altering the river's natural flow and jeopardizing the stability of its banks.
The Kolong River, which flows between the Nagaon and Morigaon districts, has become a focal point for illegal sand mining, with locals claiming that sand mafia operate openly along its banks.
Dumpers are reportedly transporting sand without the necessary permits, evading required documentation and 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 throughout the state, including the Kolong riverine areas.
Villagers accuse officials from the West Dharmatul Range of ignoring these violations, allowing illegal mining to occur continuously.
This unchecked extraction is not only harming the environment but also threatening the livelihoods of local workers and farmers who rely on the river.
Environmental advocates highlight that this ongoing mining contravenes the Forest Act of 1886 and the regulations set by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which prohibit unregulated extraction from riverbeds.
Residents are concerned that continued mining will exacerbate erosion, elevate flood risks during monsoon seasons, and irreparably harm the Kolong River's delicate ecosystem.
They are calling on the Forest Department, district administration, and pollution control authorities to conduct urgent inspections, confiscate illegal equipment, and take stringent action against those responsible.
As of now, there has been no official comment from the West Dharmatul Range authorities regarding these serious allegations.