Nagaland: Chumoukedima forms monitoring committees to regulate riverbed mining

Dimapur: In a decisive move to ensure sustainable management of riverbed resources and curb illegal mining activities in the district, the Chümoukedima district administration has formed district-level monitoring committee (DLMC) and sub-division level enforcement committees for the Chathe river and its tributaries.

The initiative follows growing concerns over the environmental degradation caused by indiscriminate riverbed mining and the use of heavy machinery for extracting sand, gravel, and boulders in the district. Chumoukedima DC Polan John, in an order on Tuesday, said such unregulated practices have led to erosion, pollution, destruction of aquatic habitats, and threats to public safety and livelihoods.

Under the new directives, the Chümoukedima district administration has completely banned the use of heavy machinery for extracting riverbed materials within the district’s jurisdiction, unless operators obtain proper licenses and permissions under the Nagaland Ownership and Transfer of Land and its Resources Act, 1990, and the Nagaland Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004.

The order said violators will face stringent penalties, including arrest, seizure of machinery, fines, and prosecution.

The DLMC will be led by the DC, and will include members from key departments such as geology & mining, police, forest, water resources, PHED, and agriculture, as well as representatives from the Chakhroma Public Organisation.

The committee will also oversee and periodically review compliance with the regulatory order and ensure effective coordination between agencies.

To strengthen enforcement at the grassroots level, the administration has formed sub-division level enforcement committees for Medziphema and Seithekema.

These committees, headed by respective administrative officers, will include representatives from the police, forests, geology & mining, local councils, and the Chakhrüma public organisation. Their responsibilities include regular inspections, prevention of illegal extractions, awareness creation, and reporting compliance to the DLMC.

The DC further said the cooperation of local communities, village councils, and civil society organisations is vital for protecting and preserving the district’s river resources.

The administration urged citizens to support the initiative and work collectively toward environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.