Trucks are seen transporting boulders extracted from the Chathe River. (Morung File Photo: For Representative Purposes Only)
• Bans heavy machinery in riverbeds
• Constitutes monitoring committees
Dimapur, November 4 (MExN): To enforce the ban on unregulated riverbed mining and ensure sustainable management of river resources, the Deputy Commissioner, Chümoukedima has issued an order on November 3 constituting a District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) and Sub-Division Level Enforcement Committees for the Chathe River and its tributaries.
As per the State DIPR, the ‘decisive move’ to ensure sustainable management of riverbed resources and curb illegal mining activities, came amind growing concerns over environmental degradation resulting from indiscriminate riverbed mining and the use of heavy machinery for extraction of sand, gravel, and boulders.
Such unregulated activities have led to erosion, pollution, destruction of aquatic habitats, and posed threats to public safety and livelihoods, DC Chümoukedima Polan John stated.
Under the new directives, a complete ban has been imposed on the use of heavy machinery for extraction of riverbed materials within Chümoukedima District unless proper licences and permissions are obtained as per the Nagaland Ownership and Transfer of Land and its Resources Act, 1990, and the Nagaland Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004.
Violators will face stringent action including arrest, seizure of machinery, fines, and prosecution, the order stated.
The DLMC, convened by the Deputy Commissioner, will include members from Geology & Mining, Police, Forest, Water Resources, PHED, and Agriculture Departments, as well as representatives from the Chakhroma Public Organisation. The committee will oversee and periodically review compliance and coordinate enforcement among agencies.
To strengthen monitoring at the local level, Sub-Division Level Enforcement Committees have also been formed for Medziphema and Seithekema.
These committees, headed by respective administrative officers, will include representatives from Police, Forests, Geology & Mining, local councils, and the Chakhrüma Public Organization.
The responsibilities include regular inspections, prevention of illegal extraction activities, awareness creation, and reporting to the DLMC.
The Deputy Commissioner further underscored that cooperation from local communities, village councils, and civil society organisations is crucial for protecting the district’s river systems.
The administration called upon citizens to support the initiative and work collectively towards environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.
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