Illegal sand mining continues in Palasbari, locals allege official inaction

Palasbari, April 11: Allegations of rampant illegal sand mining under the Loharghat Forest Range of the West Kamrup Forest division have once again exposed a deeply concerning nexus of environmental exploitation and administrative silence in the region.

According to local sources, large-scale illegal sand extraction continues unabated across multiple areas under the Loharghat range in Palasbari LAC.

What were once fertile agricultural lands have now reportedly been converted into active sand mining zones, with heavy machinery including excavators, JCBs and tractors operating openly, often in broad daylight.

Locals allege that the unchecked mining activities have severely impacted agriculture, damaged cultivable land and disturbed the ecological balance.

Experts warn that such indiscriminate extraction could lead to long-term consequences such as riverbank erosion, lowering of groundwater levels and increased flood vulnerability.

Adding a new dimension to the issue is the continuous transportation of illegally mined sand, which has become highly visible to the public.

Residents have reported that truckloads of sand pass through Mirza Tiniali on a daily basis, transporting materials extracted from Loharghat Range areas to various destinations.

The movement of these heavily loaded trucks, often in large numbers, has raised serious concerns among locals regarding how such operations continue without interruption.

Despite the regular and open movement of sand-laden trucks through a busy junction like Mirza Tiniali authorities have allegedly failed to initiate any significant enforcement measures.

This has led to a growing suspicion among residents about possible administrative negligence or deliberate inaction. Questions are now being raised regarding the role of the Forest authorities, including officials of the Loharghat Range, and the West Kamrup Forest division has come under public scrutiny with locals questioning the lack of strict checking, seizure drives or crackdowns.

“The trucks pass almost every day, in plain sight. If this is happening so openly, how can the authorities claim ignorance?” questioned a local resident, reflecting the widespread frustration among the public.

Further intensifying concerns are allegations of an organized sand mining network operating in the area. Sources claim that the illegal extraction and supply chain has been active for a considerable period, with sand being mined, transported and sold without proper permits or environmental clearance.

There are also reports of a possible nexus between certain officials and those involved in the illegal trade, although no confirmation has been received.

Environmentalists caution that illegal sand mining is not merely a local issue but a serious ecological threat. It disrupts river ecosystems, destroys natural habitats and weakens the structural stability of riverbank.

In regions like Loharghat, where communities are closely dependent on natural resources, such damage could have devastating long-term impacts.

Despite repeated complaints from villagers and growing public concern, there has been no visible large-scale operation to curb sand-mining activities so far.

The absence of strict enforcement, particularly in monitoring transportation routes like Mirza Tiniali has only added to public anger and suspicion.

Residents are now demanding immediate intervention from higher authorities, including the State government and have called for a high-level inquiry into the alleged failure of both the Forest and Police departments.