Dudhnoi/Dainadubi, June 16: Unregulated sand mining from the Manda River over the past two months has put at least seven villages in Assam and Meghalaya at risk of severe erosion, threatening the safety and livelihood of residents.
Residents from villages including Nokmakundi, Kakalipara, and Kasumari have filed multiple complaints with the Deputy Commissioner of Goalpara, Assam, regarding the erosion exacerbated by sand mining in the river’s middle, making their areas unsafe for habitation.
The issue gained attention following the visit of Assam Minister Piyush Hazarika on June 7, who directed officials to combat soil erosion and initiate protection measures in flood-prone areas of Goalpara. District officials revealed that sand mining was permitted following a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from a few local households and approval from the Directorate of Geology and Mining. However, this has raised concerns as complaints have persisted since last year.
Interestingly, the NOCs were obtained from only one village, despite the impact spanning across villages in both Assam and Meghalaya. Joint complaints have been filed by villages from both states, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.
“The forest department, which is usually strict about even minor environmental violations, has inexplicably allowed rampant sand mining without considering its impact,” said a resident from Kasumari, who preferred to remain anonymous.
A forest department team visited the affected village following the complaints but arrived late, missing the scheduled meeting with villagers. The department cited another incident as the reason for the delay but did not inform the villagers to wait, causing frustration among the residents.
“Granting NOC from just one village for such a significant operation without assessing the broader impact shows a lack of proper planning. We demand an immediate halt to sand mining as it is causing irreversible damage,” stated Brayan Marak, a resident of Kasumari.
A visit to the affected areas revealed several previously safe locations now dangerously close to eroding banks. Last year, swift action by the Deputy Commissioner halted similar attempts at sand mining, but this year’s response has been slower, increasing the villages’ vulnerability.
“We fear going near the riverbank as erosion has worsened due to the sand mining. Our once quiet area has become perilous. Despite not consenting to this, mining operations have continued,” said a Nokmakundi resident.
The Manda Eco-Tourism Centre, situated along the riverbank, has also suffered due to the mining activities.
Deputy Commissioner Khanindra Chaudhury confirmed that mining operations had been suspended following the villagers’ complaints and stated that the forest department is currently investigating. However, he could not provide details on the mining company’s identity or the duration of their lease.
“Mining was approved by the government but has been halted due to complaints. We await a report from the forest department before making further decisions,” Chaudhury said, acknowledging that the NOC was given by a nearby village.
Villagers criticized the lack of broader consent for the mining operation, questioning why all impacted communities were not consulted.
“Every day, 15-20 dumpers carry sand from our river, with pumps set up in the river’s middle causing it to shift course toward inhabited areas. These operations must be stopped immediately,” urged Darmen Sangma, secretary of the Manda Eco Society.
Wind Marak, secretary of Nokmakundi, added that the mining has compromised the foundations of an upcoming bridge in Kentra, North Garo Hills, prompting a joint complaint to the Goalpara DC.
“We appeal to the authorities to take action or we will be forced to protest. Our lands are at risk, and we cannot stay silent,” he asserted.
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