Dimapur: In a bid to curb environmental degradation and safeguard local communities, the Deputy Commissioner of Niuland District, Sara S Jamir, has issued an official order banning the use of heavy machinery for sand and boulder extraction from the Chathe River.
The order follows reports of rampant and unregulated mining along the riverbed, which the district administration said has caused significant ecological damage and poses an increasing threat to life and property in villages along the riverbanks.
“It has come to the knowledge of the undersigned that rampant extraction of boulders and sand from the river bed along the stretch of Chathe River falling under Niuland District is going on thereby causing irreparable destruction to the ecology and endangering the lives and properties of the people around the area,” the order stated.
Citing concerns over the destruction of natural river systems and a heightened risk of flooding, the administration has enforced a complete prohibition on the use of heavy machinery for extraction activities along the Chathe River within Niuland District’s jurisdiction.
“In order to prevent any further loss of lives & properties and to preserve the river and its resources and also to address the issue of inundation of flood waters to the surrounding Villages along the river bank, use of heavy machinery for extraction of sand from the river bed along the stretch of Chathe River falling under Niuland District is hereby completely banned,” it stated.
The Deputy Commissioner further warned that defaulters will face strict legal action, including the seizure and confiscation of machinery, under relevant legal provisions.
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