Digital Desk: Rampant illegal mining is underway in the Chaulkhowa and Beki river areas under the Baghbar revenue circle in Barpeta district.
Using tractors, JCBs, and powerful pipe machines, several individuals are carrying out these activities around the clock.
Despite the visibility of these operations, the Barpeta Road Forest Sub-Division and the Barpeta Forest Division have remained inactive, allowing the destruction to continue unabated.
This administrative negligence has left riverbank communities increasingly vulnerable.
The relentless extraction of sand and soil has severely accelerated riverbank erosion, placing high-cost bridge infrastructures at imminent risk of collapse.
Furthermore, the illegal movement of tractors on local roads has created a hazardous environment for pedestrians and school children, sparking fears of fatal accidents.
Local residents have alleged that the activities are being carried out with the support of forest officials, including Divisional Forest Officer Munindra Talukdar, and the local police.
Concerned residents have demanded immediate action to stop the illegal mining.
Continue Reading
