To ensure sustainable management of riverbed resources and curb illegal mining, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Chümoukedima, has issued an order on November 3, 2025, constituting the District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) and Sub-Division Level Enforcement Committees for the Chathe River and its tributaries.
The order follows growing concerns over the environmental impact of indiscriminate riverbed mining and the use of heavy machinery for extracting sand, gravel, and boulders. Deputy Commissioner Polan John, NCS, stated that such unregulated activities have caused erosion, pollution, destruction of aquatic habitats, and pose threats to public safety and livelihoods.
Under the new directives, the use of heavy machinery for extraction of riverbed materials within the district is completely banned unless proper licenses and permissions are obtained under the Nagaland Ownership and Transfer of Land and its Resources Act, 1990, and the Nagaland Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004. Violators will face penalties including arrest, seizure of machinery, fines, and prosecution.
The District Level Monitoring Committee will be headed by the Deputy Commissioner and include members from the departments of Geology & Mining, Police, Forest, Water Resources, PHED, and Agriculture, along with representatives from the Chakhroma Public Organization. The committee will oversee compliance and coordination among agencies.
Sub-Division Level Enforcement Committees have also been formed for Medziphema and Seithekema, headed by respective administrative officers. The committees include members from the Police, Forest, Geology & Mining, local councils, and the Chakhroma Public Organization, and will carry out inspections, prevent illegal extractions, and report compliance to the DLMC.
The Deputy Commissioner called for cooperation from local communities, village councils, and civil society organizations, saying their support is crucial for protecting and preserving the district’s river resources.