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

Residents of Dhansiri village in Mazbat of Udalguri, Assam, have launched protests against the forest department, accusing it of colluding with a syndicate engaged in illegal sand mining in the Pagla River.

Local people allege that the syndicate, without any official permits or documentation, is conducting large-scale sand extraction from the riverbed after reportedly "managing" forest department officials.

Villagers report that two excavators and around 10 tractors are being used round-the-clock for the illegal activity.

They said that such acts cause serious environmental damage.

Residents informed forest officials about the illegal mining after they got to know of the rampant issue.

They claimed that upon arriving at the site, the forest officials only instructed the operators to move the machinery to the riverbank, but failed to seize the JCBs or tractors to halt the illegal mining. This prompted outrage among locals, which led to the protests.

The locals expressed suspicion of collusion between the officials and the illegal miners.

They claimed this is not an isolated incident, with multiple prior complaints against certain for allegedly turning a blind eye to illegal activities in exchange for "commissions".

Locals accuse at least one official of enabling a sand mining syndicate in the Majbat area by accepting bribes.

They pointed out that such unchecked illegal mining, they allege, has led to widespread environmental degradation and destruction of forests in the region.

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