Nagaland: Chümoukedima Bans Heavy Machinery in Riverbeds, Forms Committees to Halt Illegal Mining

Chümoukedima: To combat rampant illegal extraction and safeguard the Chathe River ecosystem, the Chümoukedima district administration in Nagaland has imposed a blanket ban on heavy machinery for riverbed mining and established a multi-tier monitoring framework, including a District-Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) and subdivision enforcement units.

District Commissioner Polan John issued the directive on Tuesday, citing severe environmental fallout from unregulated sand, gravel, and boulder harvesting—such as soil erosion, water contamination, loss of fish habitats, and risks to public safety and local livelihoods.

“Any mechanised extraction is now strictly prohibited without valid permits under the Nagaland Ownership and Transfer of Land and its Resources Act, 1990, and the Nagaland Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004,” the order states. Offenders face immediate arrest, equipment confiscation, hefty fines, and legal action.

The DLMC, chaired by the DC, comprises senior officials from geology and mining, police, forests, water resources, public health engineering, agriculture, and the Chakhroma Public Organisation. It will conduct periodic audits, enforce compliance, and coordinate inter-departmental efforts.

At the grassroots level, dedicated enforcement committees have been set up for Medziphema and Seithekema subdivisions. Led by local administrative heads, these teams include police, forest, mining, and community representatives tasked with routine patrols, blocking unauthorised operations, raising public awareness, and submitting reports to the DLMC.

DC John stressed the indispensable role of villages, councils, and civil groups in sustaining the initiative. “Community partnership is crucial to preserve our rivers for future generations,” he said, calling for collective vigilance and responsible resource stewardship.