Riverbed extraction and pollution in Medziphema Circle have come under renewed scrutiny, with the Medziphema Circle Chakhroma Public Organisation (MCCPO) warning contractors, railway construction firms and heavy-machinery operators against unauthorised extraction of sand, gravel, boulders and other riverbed materials.
In a public notice, the organisation called on village councils, landowners, contractors, suppliers, railway construction firms, heavy machinery owners and operators, dumper owners and the general public to strictly comply with government regulations governing riverbed extraction and protection of rivers and streams.
The MCCPO referred to an order issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Chümoukedima, on November 1, 2025, concerning the use of heavy machinery for extraction and mining of riverbed materials in the district.
The district administration had moved to strengthen regulation of riverbed mining in the Chathe River and its tributaries in November 2025 amid concerns over environmental degradation caused by indiscriminate extraction. It constituted a District Level Monitoring Committee as well as Sub-Division Level Enforcement Committees for Medziphema and Seithekema. The committees were tasked with monitoring activities, preventing illegal extraction and coordinating enforcement among departments and local stakeholders.
A Medziphema sub-division enforcement committee meeting held on November 24, 2025 also discussed the status of riverbed mining in the Chathe River and its tributaries, including ongoing mining, existing permits and licences, action against illegal mining, and complaints from local communities over impacts on agriculture and livelihoods.
Against this backdrop, the MCCPO has now called on all concerned to refrain from unauthorised extraction and pollution of river water. It urged village councils and landowners to ensure that no person or agency undertakes such activities within their respective areas without the necessary approval and valid authorisation from the competent government authority.
The organisation said indiscriminate and unregulated extraction could result in riverbank erosion, destruction of aquatic ecosystems, contamination of water sources, depletion of groundwater and increased risks of floods and landslides. It also warned of possible damage to roads, bridges, culverts, railway infrastructure and public and private property.
The MCCPO further cautioned that persons found violating the government order or engaging in unauthorised extraction or polluting river water may face seizure or confiscation of machinery, vehicles and equipment, besides penalties and prosecution under relevant laws by the competent authorities.
The 2025 district order had similarly provided for stringent enforcement against unauthorised heavy-machinery extraction, including seizure of machinery, fines and prosecution, while requiring proper licences and permissions for permitted activities.
The MCCPO said it would extend its cooperation to government departments and authorities in protecting and sustainably managing the rivers, streams and natural resources of Medziphema Circle.