Environmentalists are raising alarms over illegal sand mining activities near Kaziranga National Park in Assam, which threaten the delicate ecosystem of this UNESCO World Heritage site. A petition filed with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on August 5 highlights concerns about mechanized sand extraction from the Deihori River, situated within the park's proposed Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).
The petition, submitted by Mohajon Kro, resident of Diphu in the Karbi Anglong district,alleges that heavy machinery such as excavators and dumpers are being deployed for large-scale sand mining. This operation is reportedly causing significant ecological harm to river,which is vital for the local tribal communities that rely on it for various daily needs.
Kro's complaint emphasizes that the Deihori River is not just a water tices of the indigenous population. He stated, "The Deihori River is not merely a livestock,and daily domestic needs of the local tribal population." He claims that the local authorities have failed to enforce environmental regulations governing sand mining.
For years, the Supreme Court has prohibited mining activities along Kaziranga's southern boundary,yet Kro's petition suggests that these regulations are being ignored. He urges the NGT to halt all mechanized mining operations and conduct an investigation into alleged violations of environmental norms.
Concerns extend beyond the immediate ecological damage. Kro argues that the use of heavy machinery is destabilizing the riverbed,altering its natural morphology,and harming fish breeding grounds. He also raises alarms about increased sediment disturbance and water turbidity,which could compromise quality of water for nearby communities.
Moreover,the potential for contamination from diesel and other hydraulic fluids associated with machinery poses additional risks to the river's health . Kro identified Songja Terang as the leaseholder for the sand and gravel extraction in the Deihori River,a permit issued by the Divisional Forest Officer of the Karbi Anglong East Division.
Local conservationists echo Kro's concerns,warning that ongoing riverbed mining,along with illegal stone quarrying in the surrounding hills,could have dire consequences for Kaziranga National Park . The park is home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, and various other species,all of which depend on the park's unique ecosystem.
One conservationist, who chose to remain anonymous,remarked, "It appears that the Supreme Court’s April 2019 order has had no impact. If such quarrying and mining continue,Kaziranga could be in for a disaster more severe than what Sivasagar and Charaideo districts experienced due to stone and coal mining along the Assam-Nagaland border."
The Karbi Anglong district authorities have yet to respond to the allegations made in Kro's petition. The situation remains precarious as the balance between development and environmental preservation hangs in the balance.
As NGT considers the petition,the future of Kaziranga National Park and its surrounding ecosystems may depend on the enforcement of existing regulations and the commitment to protect this vital habitat from illegal mining activities.
