Trucks are seen transporting boulders extracted from the Chathe River. (Morung File Photo: For Representative Purposes Only)
Niuland, January 28 (MExN): The Niuland District administration has imposed a complete ban on the use of heavy machinery for mining riverbed resources along the Chathe River within the district.
The order, issued by Deputy Commissioner Niuland, Sara S Jamir, NCS, prohibits extraction of boulders, gravel, sand and other riverbed resources along the stretch of Chathe River under the Nagaland (Ownership and Transfer of Land and its Resources) Act, 1990, and the Nagaland Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004.
The directive, numbered DCN/JUD-20/MISC/20222/1061 and dated January 14, 2026, cited “rampant extraction of sand, gravel, boulders and other materials causing significant environmental degradation and disruption of the ecosystem.”
It noted that these activities persist despite a previous office order dated June 17, 2025.
The administration stated that the mining operations are “detrimental to public interest,” and violates several laws including provisions of the Environment protection Act, 1986; Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; and Rules 49 and 50 of the Nagaland Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004. The order added that the activities can be deemed to be illegal in the absence of authorized permit/license.
The order cautioned that any individual, group, firm or organisation violating the ban will face penal action. This includes arrest, seizure and confiscation of machinery, tool, equipment and vehicles, imposition of fines and prosecution under relevant section of law and rules there under relevant law.
“This order is issued for strict compliance by all concerned,” the DC Niuland added.
