ADSU Raises Alarm Over Alleged Illegal Riverbed Mining in Dima Hasao, Seeks Immediate Action
Haflong: The All Dimasa Students’ Union (ADSU), Dima Hasao District Committee, has submitted a formal complaint to the Chief Conservator of Forests in Haflong, raising concerns over alleged illegal and unregulated riverbed mining across Dima Hasao district.
In its representation, ADSU alleged that excessive extraction of sand, gravel, stone and boulders from major rivers and streams is causing severe ecological damage. The union specifically mentioned the Diyung, Mahur, Langting and Jatinga rivers.
According to the student body, the deployment of heavy machinery, including excavators, inside active river channels is contributing to riverbank erosion, destruction of aquatic habitats and disruption of natural water systems.
The representation highlighted several concerns, including severe bank erosion and structural hazards, particularly during the monsoon season. ADSU claimed that destabilisation of riverbanks could pose risks to important transport infrastructure, including NH-27 and railway lines, besides increasing the possibility of landslides near settlements.
The union also raised concerns over the impact of riverbed extraction on aquatic biodiversity. It alleged that excessive siltation and destruction of riverbeds are affecting breeding grounds and disrupting natural hydrology, potentially threatening native and endangered fish species.
Concern over water security and livelihoods
ADSU further alleged that indiscriminate deep mining is affecting water security by breaching natural water tables, lowering groundwater levels and affecting gravity-fed drinking water streams in rural areas.
The organisation said communities dependent on riverine systems for traditional fishing, agriculture and household water could face socioeconomic difficulties as a result.
The representation also pointed out that Dima Hasao is an ecologically fragile hill district protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, and urged authorities to ensure that mining activities comply with applicable environmental and mining regulations.
ADSU seeks immediate halt to non-compliant mining
Among its key demands, ADSU called for an immediate cease-and-desist order against allegedly non-compliant extraction sites and the impounding of unauthorised heavy machinery operating inside river channels.
The union has also sought a joint ground inspection and audit involving the Forest Department, DHAC revenue and forest officials, district civil administration, ecological experts and local student representatives.
It further demanded strict action against operators and quarry owners allegedly functioning without approved mining plans, valid leases or required environmental clearances.
ADSU also called for the scientific identification of critical river bends, bridge buffers, erosion-prone areas and ecologically sensitive stretches as strictly protected non-mining zones.
The student union has given the authorities 15 days from receipt of the representation to initiate prompt and visible field-level action. It warned that failure to act would lead the organisation to pursue democratic mass agitation and approach the National Green Tribunal, Eastern Zone Bench, for judicial intervention.
Copies of the representation have also been forwarded to the Chief Executive Member of the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, District Commissioner, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, SEIAA Assam, Pollution Control Board Assam, DIPRO Haflong, Dima Hasao Press Club and media representatives for information and necessary action.
