Rampant Illegal Sand Mining Threatens Agricultural Lands in West Kamrup
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 being conducted openly during the day with the use of heavy machinery.
Local residents indicate that agricultural lands in the villages of Joji, Marabhitha, and Ghoramara, located in the Palasbari LAC, have been transformed into sites resembling commercial sand mining operations. Continuous operations of excavators, including JCBs and tractors, have been reported in these farmlands, despite their classification under forest jurisdiction.
Community members have voiced significant concerns regarding the rampant sand extraction, noting that it is leading to the 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 yield.
Public outrage has intensified due to the perceived inaction of relevant authorities. Locals assert that officials have not intervened despite the blatant nature of these activities. This has led to questions about the accountability of forest officials, including West Kamrup Forest Division officer (DFO) Subodh Talukdar and Loharghat Range Forest Officer Nayanjyoti Das, as illegal mining persists without restraint.
Observers have suggested that the ongoing mining operations are occurring without any visible enforcement actions, leading to speculation about possible administrative negligence or even complicity.
Environmental advocates caution that unregulated sand mining not only harms agricultural land but also jeopardizes ecological stability and groundwater levels 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 activities and rehabilitate the affected agricultural areas before irreversible harm is done.
The pressing question raised by the community is who is allowing this illegal excavation to continue within forest-controlled territories.
ANN Service