Assam: Unregulated mining threatens Kaliyani River, raises flood concerns in Numaligarh

A CORRESPONDENT

BOKAKHAT: The Kaliyani River, along the Golaghat-Karbi Anglong border, is reportedly facing severe environmental degradation due to alleged unregulated sand and stone mining.

At Buragohain Khat, large-scale extraction is allegedly being carried out using excavators and JCB machines, raising concerns about deep excavation of the riverbed beyond authorised limits. Although government-approved sand and gravel mahals exist along designated stretches, operators are required to comply with mining permits, environmental clearances, extraction limits and transit-challan requirements.

Environmental activist Apurba Ballabh Goswami has warned that continued destructive mining could alter the river’s course, weaken its banks and damage the aquatic ecosystem. Concerns have also been raised about possible flooding around Numaligarh and further riverbank erosion in the Rangbong area.

The Kaliyani River is ecologically important, with the nearby Nambor-Daigrung Wildlife Sanctuary and the wider Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape depending on its waterways. Wildlife, including wild elephants, also uses the river as a source of water.

Environmental groups have called for an immediate investigation into alleged illegal or excessive mechanical mining. Authorities have been urged to verify mining permits, environmental clearances, extraction quantities and transit challans, and to take action against any violations.

Also Read: Upper Assam flood and illegal mining debate