Assam: Illegal stone mining threatens eco-sensitive zone in Chandubi, locals accuse forest dept of collusion
Guwahati: A group of concerned citizens and an Adivasi students’ body have raised an alarm over rampant illegal stone mining near Chandubi in Assam’s Kamrup district, which they claim is causing severe environmental damage and threatening the delicate ecosystem.
In a memorandum submitted to Kamrup District Commissioner (DC), they have accused the forest department of negligence and collusion with the mining mafia.
According to the memorandum, the mining operation, which began at Muduki village near Chandubi in mid-May 2024, has been carried out brazenly using heavy machinery, including two hydraulic excavators and numerous dumpers.
Despite the alleged blatant disregard for environmental laws by the miners, the Loharghat Forest Range Officer, Samim Akhtar, has allegedly turned a blind eye to the illegal activities.
The local residents allegedly faced intimidation from the forest department for opposing the stone mining.
“The village headman of Muduki were summoned to the range office and coerced into signing documents accepting responsibility for a staggering Rs. 20 crore, the estimated cost of the excavators,” said Pakhiraj Rabha, president of Rajapara Anchalik Janajatiya Yuba Sangha.
Interestingly, Kamrup West Division DFO Dimpi Bora admitted to the illegality of the mining activities in the area, he said.
An inquiry initiated by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) following a petition by the locals led to the temporary relocation of the mining equipment to Meghalaya.
"An inquiry team of Forest officials visited the site on July 3, 2024. Surprisingly, excavators had already been shifted to Meghalaya, just behind the mining site, by the smugglers. To date, no action has been taken against either the mining mafia or the forest officials involved," said Rabha.
"Therefore, the role of the Forest department is highly questionable. Additionally, the individuals burdened with the excavators are terrified of the risks involved due to the exorbitant amounts quoted in the forms, leading to significant mental distress," he said.
The area where the mining is taking place is an ecologically sensitive zone, home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Hoolock Gibbon, Bengal Slow Loris and Capped Langur.
Locals said mining activities have increased the risk of human-elephant conflict.
The citizens' group has demanded an immediate halt to the illegal mining, seizure of the excavators, and strict action against those involved in the illegal activities.
They have also called for a ban on all mining activities in the Barduar Bholagaon Mauza area and the protection of the ecologically sensitive Chandubi area.
