An excavator illegally extracting sand at Dhansiri River in Purana Bazar, Dimapur on August 24, despite a ban on such activities in the district. (DIPR Photo)
Dimapur, August 24 (MExN): Following an incident of illegal sand mining in Dhansiri River in Dimapur, the district administration on Tuesday reiterated the ban on extraction of resources like sand gravels and boulders from streams and rivers in the Dimapur district.
According to a DIPR report, a team from the district administration which included the Extra Assistant Commissioner (Sadar), Police personnel and Dobashis went verify claims that individuals were illegally mining sand in Dhansiri River behind Interstate Terminus, Purana Bazar. Following the verification, one JCB excavator which was being used for the same was seized by the authorities and a case has been registered under East Police Station, Dimapur, it stated.
Stating that cases of non compliance are rising, the Administration reminded that a complete ban on mining of sand and boulder in rivers of Dimapur district has been in effect, and an order on the same was issued by Dimapur Deputy Commissioner on July 29, 2021.
It also cautioned that stern legal action under relevant sections of the law would be taken against anyone found defying the order.
The DC’s July order stated that destruction of ecology and the river beds have been taking place due to rampant extraction of boulders and sand gravels from rivers and streams in the district. Emphasising the need to preserve the rivers and its resources, address the issue of inundation of flood water in surrounding villages and colonies, and avoid damage to public assets like bridges, the order stated that special focus would be on areas within a 200 metre radius upstream and downstream from extreme bridges, culverts, etc.
Failure to adhere to this order will result in prosecution as per appropriate section of law including seizure and confiscation of machinery and equipments, the order stated.
