In a significant move to protect the environment and public infrastructure, the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang, NCS, has imposed a complete ban on the use of heavy machinery for the extraction of sand, gravel, boulders and other riverbed materials within Dimapur district without obtaining the requisite permissions and licences.

The order, issued in the interest of public service, cites the indiscriminate use of heavy machinery in riverbed mining as a major cause of environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, ecosystem disruption, water contamination and damage to agricultural activities. It also notes that such activities have adversely affected the structural integrity of roads, bridges, culverts, railway infrastructure and irrigation channels.

According to the order, unregulated riverbed mining has increased the risks of riverbank erosion, landslides and other natural disasters, lowered groundwater levels, reduced water availability for drinking and irrigation, and disturbed the natural flow of sediments, posing serious threats to aquatic ecosystems, public safety and the livelihoods of local communities.

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The Deputy Commissioner stated that such activities violate provisions of the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and Rules 49 and 50 of the Nagaland Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004. Mining operations carried out without valid permits or licences shall be treated as illegal.

The order directs that extraction of riverbed resources using heavy machinery will only be permitted after obtaining approvals under the Nagaland (Ownership and Transfer of Land and its Resources) Act, 1990, the Nagaland Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004, and all other applicable statutory requirements.

It further warns that any individual, group, firm or organisation found violating the order will face penal action under the relevant provisions of law.

To ensure strict enforcement, a Monitoring Team comprising officials from the District Administration, Police, Geology and Mining Department, Forest Department, representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and Village, Municipal and Town Councils will oversee compliance with the order.