DIMAPUR, JUNE 20 (MExN): The Chakhroma GBs Union (CGBU) today expressed concern at the adverse effects of the sand, gravel and boulder extraction activities using heavy machinery in rivers passing through the Chakhroma Angami traditional villages.
The CGBU appreciated the Dimapur DC for banning the use of heavy machinery for extraction of sand gravel and boulder in Dhansiri and Chathe rivers and extension of the ban with effect from June 1 to September 30, 2016. It however urged that the DC’s order be made permanent, instead of being extended only for a few months.
A press note from the CGBU said that there are five “major rivers” that pass through the Chakhroma Angami traditional villages, viz. Dzuza, Dzumha, Khuova, Chathe and Tamoru. It stated that people depend on these rivers for their recourses and their livelihood and sustenance. However, it informed that with the introduction of heavy machinery for extraction activities “to meet the greed of a few individuals,” the riverbeds and the resources therein are being destroyed beyond repair and many villages are being adversely affected.
The CGBU pointed out that one of the most glaring immediate effects is that, “due to random excavation of riverbeds, the ground water level has receded so much that most ring wells, are now drying up by the months of March and April every year and villagers are now facing acute shortage of water where there was once abundance of water.” It added that many farmers who depend on these rivers for irrigation of their paddy fields are now abandoning their fields because the riverbeds are excavated so deep that farmers are not in a positions to dig irrigation canals deep enough to reach the water level in the river. “The union is deeply disturbed that the source of livelihood of the majority of our people, i.e. agriculture, is being sacrificed and destroyed due to wanton exploitation of our rivers by a few,” it added.
It further lamented at the incidences of children drowning and losing their lives after accidentally falling into the deep pits left uncovered and unmarked by the miners.
Stating that rivers are common property as per Naga custom and tradition, the CGBU said it is the responsibility of every village situated near the rivers to ban such illegal activities and to protect the river and its resources within their area. It appealed to all village councils and its members to protect the rivers and resources by banning illegal excavation of riverbeds the same way that illegal hunting and fishing is being banned.
