Assam: Massive Protest By Locals Against Illegal Sand Mining in Beki River

Barpeta: Locals from the Sonpura area of Kalgachia in Barpeta, Assam, stormed an alleged illegal sand mining site on the banks of the Beki River to protest on Friday night.

The locals' protest took place at the riverbank in Sonpura village under the Baghbar Revenue Circle. 

During the protest, the locals reportedly vandalised a dumper truck loaded with sand. However, there were no reports of any assault on any individuals.

The protestors claimed that nearly one and a half months ago, the alleged sand miners attempted to begin illegal mining activities at the Beki River bank.

At that time, residents had intervened and stopped the operation. However, about a week ago, the mining resumed at the same location using an excavator.

On Friday night, residents gathered at the site and demanded an immediate halt to the illegal extraction. As tensions escalated, the excavator driver fled the area, while the locals vandalised the truck.

Locals expressed concern that continued mining in the riverbed could worsen erosion in the Beki River and pose a major threat to the surrounding areas, including the alternative state highway and the bridge over the river. Many residents in the region claimed that they have suffered heavy losses due to riverbank erosion and have recently found some relief as the situation has stabilised.

They also questioned why the administration has not taken necessary action against the illegal sand mining.

They claimed that when they asked the drivers who had permitted them to carry out the extraction, the drivers claimed they had obtained approval from the Barpeta administration.

Locals also alleged that this is not a one-time incident but a regular activity. According to them, whenever complaints are lodged, the mining work stops for a short period, but it resumes later in the same manner.

Further, they warned that they may take their protests a notch further if the illegal mining is not stopped.

ALSO READ: Assam: Mazbat locals protest against forest department against illegal sand mining