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.
Further, the memorandum stated that a petition was put up to PCCF on June 21st 2024, that led to enquiry team being visited on July 3. However, the memorandum alleged that on that day, the excavators have been shifted to Meghalaya just behind the mining place.
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.
Meanwhile, the State Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary has taken stock of the matter. “The news has come and I have informed this to DFO, we will check on this,” added Chandra Mohan Patowary.