Sivasagar: A controversy has surfaced in Bihubar along the Assam–Nagaland border over alleged illegal stone quarrying activities, triggering serious concerns about environmental damage, public health and the safety of local residents. Despite repeated complaints from villagers, residents allege that both the forest department and the police administration have failed to take effective action.
According to local sources, a group described as a “stone mafia” has been operating freely in the area, allegedly using heavy machinery and dumpers to extract stones illegally. Residents claim that individuals identified as Riaz Ali alias Nanki, Gazi Khan and Zakir Ali are behind the operations. The large-scale quarrying is said to be endangering the nearby Dikhau river, with fears that excessive extraction could alter its natural course, posing a threat to lives, homes and agricultural land.
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Environmental experts and locals warn that unregulated quarrying leads to severe landscape alteration, hill cutting, dust and noise pollution, and long-term harm to biodiversity. Dust from quarrying is also feared to cause respiratory problems among residents living nearby.
Villagers have demanded immediate intervention from the authorities to stop the illegal activities, seize heavy machinery and initiate legal action against those involved. They have questioned the effectiveness of enforcement agencies in safeguarding natural resources and protecting public interests. With the situation described as alarming on the ground, residents have urged the administration to act swiftly to prevent further environmental and human damage.
