Illegal Excavation Threatens Dhubri’s Riverine Villages, Residents Allege Official Nexus
Dhubri: Illegal earth excavation along the Brahmaputra riverbanks in areas such as Amervitta, Airanjangla, Bagulamari, located within a 3-kilometer radius of Dhubri town, has raised alarm among nearby riverine communities. These areas, housing three forest offices, including two Range Offices and one Divisional Office, have become hotspots for unauthorized mining. Villagers fear these activities are intensifying erosion, posing severe threats to their homes and agricultural lands.
Heavy machinery such as tractors and dumpers operates relentlessly in the affected areas. Despite repeated complaints from residents, substantial action from the authorities has yet to be seen. Occasionally, vehicles engaged in illegal excavation are identified, but enforcement efforts have been insufficient to curb the operations. Local residents accuse certain forest officials of issuing permits under the guise of “stock offences,” which are allegedly exploited to facilitate unauthorized mining.
The Assam government has implemented several initiatives, including riverbank protection measures, to address the growing erosion problem. These efforts have received widespread recognition for their intent to protect vulnerable communities. However, locals argue that illegal mining activities, allegedly enabled by the inaction of Dhubri Forest Division officials, are undermining the state’s initiatives.
Residents claim mining beyond GPS-marked zones continues unabated, with forged transit passes being used to evade detection. Allegations of collusion between forest officials and illegal mining networks have further eroded public trust. Despite persistent appeals to the local Forest Ranger, no significant measures have been taken to halt these operations.
The situation has sparked widespread concern among the affected communities. Villagers are demanding immediate intervention from higher authorities to end illegal mining activities. They have also called for a thorough investigation into the alleged nexus and urged accountability for those responsible. Many stress the need for stricter monitoring and enforcement to safeguard their homes and farmlands from the escalating erosion crisis.
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