Guwahati, May 7: Allegations of selective enforcement have emerged against the Assam Forest Department after a legally approved sand extraction site along the border of Morigaon district and Kamrup Metropolitan district was ordered to suspend operations, while illegal sand mining is reportedly continuing in several rivers across central Assam.
According to local sources, large-scale extraction of sand has allegedly been taking place for a long period in rivers such as the Killing River and Kapili River. Residents claimed that many of these mining activities are operating without valid permissions, but enforcement agencies have not initiated action against them.
The controversy intensified after a licensed sand mahal situated between Na-Bahtia and Aujari was instructed to halt operations just a week after receiving official clearance from the Sonapur Forest Division.
Local youths involved with the sand mahal said nearly 100 unemployed youths from the area had invested their own funds and commenced sand extraction activities after securing the required approval from the forest department.
However, they alleged that the Sonapur Forest Division later issued fresh directions ordering an immediate suspension of operations, creating financial uncertainty for those dependent on the venture for their livelihood.
The affected youths questioned why authorities acted against a legally permitted operation while alleged illegal sand mining activities in multiple river belts of central Assam continue without intervention.
They have demanded a clear explanation from the authorities and urged the administration to enforce a uniform policy against illegal mining activities across the region.
