Guwahati: Illegal sand mining is allegedly continuing unabated in the Kopili river near the Kopili picnic spot under the Rani Range Forest Office in Assam’s East Kamrup Forest Division despite the state government’s ongoing crackdown on unauthorised extraction of minor minerals.
According to local sources, sand is being extracted from the riverbed during both the day and night and transported in DI vans and other vehicles to different destinations. The alleged mining site is located a short distance from the Rani Range Forest Office.
Residents claimed the illegal activity has continued for a considerable period without effective intervention from the authorities despite repeated government directives to curb unauthorised mining across the state.
Some local sources also alleged that the operators have continued the activity by “managing” officials of the local forest office through regular payments. The allegations could not be independently verified by Northeast Now.
The continued extraction of sand has raised concerns among residents and environmental observers, who warned that unchecked mining could damage the river’s ecology, accelerate bank erosion and adversely affect the surrounding environment.
The allegations come even as Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah has directed officials to take stringent action against illegal mining and transportation of sand and other minor minerals across the state.
Local residents have urged the authorities to investigate the allegations and take action to stop the alleged illegal sand mining in the Kopili river.