Reported by Sasanka Talukdar
Bajali: Bajali MLA Dharmeswar Roy has directed the district administration to take strict action against illegal mining in the Pahumara and Kaldiya rivers, citing concerns over environmental degradation, riverbank erosion and the safety of embankments.
The directive came during a review of flood-affected areas and embankment conditions, where Roy expressed concern over the alleged unauthorised extraction of sand and other minerals from the riverbeds.
He instructed the district administration and the concerned departments to ensure that illegal mining is stopped and warned that strict action should be taken against those found involved.
Roy also called for an inquiry into allegations of involvement by Forest Department officials or personnel in illegal mining operations. He said no individual, irrespective of position, should be spared if found violating the law.
The directive follows concerns that illegal mining is contributing to environmental degradation, increasing the risk of riverbank erosion and weakening embankments in the district.