Bajali: Illegal extraction of ordinary clay from the Pahumara river in the Doloigaon area of Assam’s Bajali district has triggered environmental concerns among residents, who claim that the activity continues unchecked despite regulatory norms.
According to local sources, several businessmen are reportedly extracting clay from the riverbed without obtaining mandatory environmental clearances required for minor mineral extraction. The excavation is said to be taking place openly, even as regulations prescribe strict compliance with environmental and mining guidelines.
Residents allege that the unregulated mining has damaged the river ecosystem and increased the risk of erosion along the banks. Continuous removal of sand and clay is believed to have altered the natural course and flow of the river, posing long-term environmental risks.
Mintu Kumar Patgiri, a resident of the area, said dumpers are operating round the clock, transporting clay from the riverbed. He claimed that the dust generated by the heavy vehicular movement has made conditions difficult for commuters.
“Dumpers are collecting clay from the Pahumara riverbed day and night without any pause. The dust pollution has become unbearable. This is a busy road used daily by students, office-goers and local residents. We want to know — do these miners have any permission or environmental clearance? If yes, why is there no monitoring? And if not, why is no action being taken?” he said.
Another resident, Sarbeswar Talukdar, said the situation worsens during the dry season when dust levels rise significantly.
“During this dry season, the situation becomes worse. The continuous movement of dumpers has turned the road into a cloud of dust. It is affecting public health and making daily travel extremely difficult. The authorities must immediately look into this matter before the situation worsens further,” he said.
The issue has also drawn attention from individuals associated with the District Survey Report (DSR) and Environmental Clearance (EC) process. They have reportedly expressed concern that illegal operators are functioning without mandatory approvals, causing financial losses to those who have secured valid permissions after complying with legal procedures.
Operators holding legitimate DSR approvals and environmental clearances are said to have invested substantial resources to meet regulatory requirements, including royalty payments and environmental safeguards. The alleged inaction against illegal miners, they contend, has created an uneven playing field and undermined lawful business practices.
Despite repeated complaints from residents, the Forest Department is alleged to have taken limited enforcement action against those involved in unauthorised extraction.
Concerned citizens have urged the authorities to conduct regular inspections, seize illegally extracted materials and ensure strict enforcement of environmental norms to prevent further degradation of the Pahumara River.
The matter has sparked public debate in Bajali, with calls for greater transparency and accountability in regulating minor mineral extraction in the district.