The Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang, NCS, has prohibited the use of heavy machinery for extracting sand, gravel, boulders and other riverbed materials in the district without the requisite permissions and licences.
The order, issued in the interest of public service, cites concerns over the environmental and infrastructural impact of unregulated mechanised riverbed mining.
According to the order, indiscriminate use of heavy machinery for riverbed extraction can contribute to environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, disruption of river ecosystems and water contamination.
It also noted impacts on agricultural activities and the structural integrity of roads, bridges, culverts, railway infrastructure and irrigation channels.
The administration further stated that unregulated riverbed mining can increase the risk of riverbank erosion, landslides and other natural hazards, while lowering groundwater levels, reducing water availability for drinking and irrigation, and disturbing the natural movement of sediments.
The order stated that extraction activities carried out without valid permits or licences would be treated as illegal and warned that violators would face penal action under relevant laws.
Mechanised extraction will be permitted only after obtaining the required approvals under the Nagaland (Ownership and Transfer of Land and its Resources) Act, 1990, the Nagaland Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004, and other applicable statutory requirements.
The order also cited provisions of the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, in regulating such activities.
For enforcement, a monitoring team comprising officials from the District Administration, Police, Geology and Mining Department and Forest Department, along with representatives of civil society organisations and Village, Municipal and Town Councils, will oversee compliance with the order.
The administration has warned individuals, groups, firms and organisations found violating the order of action under the relevant provisions of law.
