TMPK, MMK protest illegal exploitation of river assets by construction companies

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR, Dec 26: Mising organizations Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK) and Mising Mimag Kebang (MMK) have become vocal against a few construction companies working in Lakhimpur district.

These construction companies are allegedly continuing illegal exploitation of river assets from the Subansiri river basin under Dollung Reserve Forest, violating the guidelines issued by the State Forest Department. Though they are permitted to collect 1,500 cm gravels from the river per month, they are collecting around 500 cm to 600 cm every day. Moreover, they are dredging the river basin from 20 feet to 30 feet for this purpose using Fockland excavator when they are permitted to dredge only 10 feet by using JCB excavators.

On the other hand, six illegal stone crusher machines installed in Chaoldhowa area near schools, public places and in reserve forests are disturbing the academic environment, affecting the public and wildlife and jeopardizing the ecological environment. These illegally settled crusher machines are- Sri Ganesh Stone Crusher, Joypur; Ma Padumoni Stone Crusher, New Mising Gaon, Pub Chaoldhowa; Dipti Stone Crusher, Milanpur, Pub Chaoldhowa; Shivam Stone Crusher, Ali, Pub Chaoldhowa; Rahim Stone Crusher, Anda; Anil Saikia Stone Crusher, Rupahi, Pub Chaoldhowa.

On Tuesday, the Chaoldhowa regiol units of TMPK and MMK demonstrated against these construction companies and illegal crusher machines blocking the NH-15 at Thekeraguri in Chaoldhowa area for two hours in association with the local people. The organizations demanded the State Forest Minister to initiate steps to stop the illegal activities of the construction companies which are exploiting the river assets and to evict the crusher machines. The organizations submitted a memorandum to the minister through the Lakhimpur DC in support of their demands. Circle Officer Monjit Borkakati took the memorandum on behalf of the DC at the road blockade site.

TMPK and MMK leaders like Dilip Pegu, Biplab Taid, Robin Doley, Ridip Doley, Punyeswar Pegu and Nim Kumar Pegu along with other activists took part in the programme.