Sand mining: Lakhimpur forest official denies allegations

 By our Staff Reporter

Lakhimpur, July 9: Assam Forest Department of Lakhimpur district has been keeping a close watch over illegal mining of sand and stone. Under the supervision of the State Forest Minister, the department has prevented all kind of illegal activities since the past few years. The department has strongly refuted the news published in an Assamese daily regarding  illegal business in Lower Subansiri mahal, Bhimpora mahal, Kolanodi mahal and  Baghinijan mahal.

“A false propaganda has been spread in order to prove that we neglect our duties and responsibilities. We have been keeping records of valid challans of each and every vehicle that collects sand and stones from these river shores. There are proofs and valid documents of every truck that collects sand. Bringing an allegation without proper investigation in regard to operating of illegal business of sand and stone mining is not acceptable. The Bhimpora mahal is still functioning under our proper inspection. Every boat that brings sands and stones to the Bhimpora river shore is closely watched and every truck is issued proper challan before loading sand or stones. The other two mahals - Baghinijan and Kolanodi are not functiol as no orders were received from the government. Although Lower Subansiri mahal is functiol, due to rise of water in the Subansiri river this season, it has been closed down,” said Amulya Konch, Range Officer .

Atul Baruah, District Forest Ter Grade- I ( Bat Officer), Pothalipam Bat, told The Sentinel that he and his team which comprises of Lohit Chandra Deka (Forest Guard), Shankar th Pegu (Forest Ter, Grade- I) and Goyguram Bora (Fixed Pay) patrol these mahals round-the-clock to prevent any kind of illegal activities. He further added that they had not found any kind of illegal business activity taking place in the recent days nor in the past.