Forest Officials’ Inaction Fuels Illegal Sand Mining in Dhubri, Causing Revenue Loss
Dhubri, August 30, 2024: Illegal sand excavation and transportation in Dhubri district, have intensified, leading to significant revenue losses for the state. The primary areas affected are Khudnamari and Tamukbari, both under the Dhubri Forest Department, where unauthorized sand extraction is rampant.
Over 50 Bolero pickup vehicles are reportedly involved in the illegal transport of sand from Khudnamari, within the Sapatgram Forest area. These vehicles, loaded with sand and gravel, travel to Bilasipara and Gauripur without valid Electronic Transit Passes (ETP). The route to Bilasipara, in particular, remains unchecked by the Rokakhata Forest Beat Office, which only encourages these illegal activities. Each vehicle is alleged to make five to six trips daily, resulting in a considerable revenue loss for the government. Despite these ongoing illegal operations, forest officials have remained silent, raising serious concerns about their inaction.
Local residents have also highlighted similar illegal activities in the Tamukbari and Boalkamari within the Sapatgram Forest area, where 30-40 country boats transport sand daily without the necessary permissions or ETPs. These boats navigate various riverine islands (chars) in the Dhubri district, unchecked by the authorities. According to locals, forest officials rarely inspect these regions, allowing the illegal activities to persist.
In the Soulmari Sand and Gravel Mahal, vehicles(Tippers) that acquire ETPs frequently misuse them. Instead of adhering to the regulations that permit only one trip per ETP, these vehicles make multiple trips—up to four a day—further exacerbating the revenue loss. This misuse underscores the lax enforcement by forest officials, contributing to the ongoing issue.
Residents have lodged multiple complaints, urging authorities to take decisive action against these illegal activities. They demand stricter measures to protect the environment and prevent further revenue loss. The continued inaction by the Dhubri Forest Department remains a pressing concern for the local community, which seeks immediate intervention to curb these unlawful practices.
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