GUWAHATI: More than 10 illegal sand-mining sites were demolished in Sonapur along the Kolong-Kopili river. This initiative was lead by Ranger Gautam Mahanta of the Sonapur Forest Range and his team.
The team had launched an operation on February 1 to demolish several illegal sand-mining sites in the Oujari area, which falls under the Sonapur revenue circle. Illegal sand-mining sites in the Dimoria region have been causing huge loss of revenue to the State exchequer.
Mahanta said that around 100 cm of sand was collected at the river bank by illegal means and was put back into the river to build a temporary route by the sand mafia. This was done to connect the river bank and the village road for transportation of the illegally mined sand. This road was also destroyed using the earth-mover. They also seized a dumper (AS-01-HC-2702) from the area.
The forest ranger said that they not only destroyed the mining sites, but are continuing their investigation on the matter. He further added that the people who are involved in such illegal activities will have to face legal action.
Residents of the affected area have also claimed that sand-laden trucks were damaging the roads along the river bank and people had started to fear landslides because of the rainy season. Their other concern was also that if these landslides occur, they may damage the area’s connectivity with the rest of the state.
(Inputs Assam Tribune)
