Reported by Sasanka Talukdar
Bajali: Alleged illegal extraction of ordinary clay from Assam’s Pahumara River embankment has raised serious concerns among local residents, who fear that unchecked mining activities may weaken the embankment and threaten nearby areas during the monsoon season.
According to sources, several tractors, some reportedly operating without proper registration number plates, have allegedly been engaged in collecting and transporting clay from the embankment area despite repeated complaints.
Continuous excavation is feared to increase the risk of erosion and structural damage to the embankment.
Concerned citizens alleged that the riverbank and surrounding areas have gradually turned into a “business zone” for certain groups involved in soil extraction activities.
They questioned whether there had been lapses in monitoring and enforcement by the concerned departments.
Residents also raised concerns over the alleged movement of tractors without visible registration number plates and questioned how such activities were continuing despite public complaints.
Environmental concerns are also growing, as the indiscriminate removal of clay from river embankments can disturb the ecological balance and create long-term risks for nearby villages, agricultural land, and public infrastructure.
A local resident said, “We do not understand why the administration remains silent, including the Forest and Transport Departments. The area has turned into a business hub without any consideration for the environmental consequences.”
Residents have demanded immediate intervention by the district administration and concerned departments to stop the alleged illegal mining activities and ensure strict monitoring of the embankment area.
They have also called for a thorough investigation into the alleged violations and stricter enforcement measures to protect the river and its surroundings.