Assam: Sand Mining Scam Exposed In Dhubri, Govt Incurs Revenue Loss Worth Crores

DHUBRI: A massive sand mining controversy has resulted from the unapproved sand extraction in the Brahmaputra River in Dhubri, Assam, costing the state government crores of rupees in lost revenue.

Foyzal Hoque, a contractor who was granted authorization to mine 2,000 cubic meters of sand for a drainage construction project, has reportedly gone far beyond the authorized limit.

Hoque is accused of working in cahoots with sand mafia Firdoz Ahmed, also called Farooq, to unlawfully collect and transport hundreds of dumpers of sand from the riverbed using tractors and heavy equipment like JCBs.

Concerns about the unrestrained use of natural resources are raised by the sand's sale in different regions of the town. According to reports, the illegal activities are being conducted without the appropriate challans, which makes the illegal selling of sand much easier.

Due to accusations that government officials were involved in the scam, residents have expressed grave worries about the oversight mechanisms' failure.

Farooq allegedly accepted a Rs. 20 lakh contract to fill a vacant site in Ward No. 3, which has also come under public attention, further escalating the situation. Residents have called for authorities to look into the alleged link between government officials, the sand mafia, and the contractor right away.

The government is suffering huge financial losses as a result of the continuous sand mining operations, and there are also serious environmental risks.

An ecological imbalance has been feared as a result of the Brahmaputra River's over-extraction of sand, putting the environment at risk and possibly increasing the likelihood of flooding.

To protect natural resources, environmental groups have pushed the administration to enact stronger laws and embrace sustainable methods. In the meantime, local officials are under increasing public pressure to respond to the accusations and take firm action against the scammers.

The concerned authorities are yet to make an official response, despite growing criticism. To guarantee accountability, recover lost income, and stop additional exploitation of the area's natural resources, locals and activists are calling for prompt action.

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