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BJP MLA writes to CM flagging illegal mining in Siliguri

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date10 August 2024
AuthorSNS
Publication titleStatesman, The (India)
In a letter addressed to the chief minister, Mr Barman requested strict enforcement of environmental laws and the issuance of guidelines to regulate mining operations

Mr Barman highlighted the widespread illegal sand and stone mining activities in the Matigara and Naxalbari areas, implicating certain government officials and police officers allegedly colluding with local political leaders and sand mafia groups.

He noted that these activities persist despite a district administration order (Order No 62/M&M/DLLRO-DJ/24, dated 28/06/2024) prohibiting mining during the monsoon season.

"Despite the order from the Darjeeling district magistrate, sand mafia groups continue to extract and transport sand and stone from riverbeds in blatant violation of the 'Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016,'" Mr Barman stated.

He identified rivers like Mahananda, Balason, Rakti, Mechi, and Chenga as hotspots for these illegal activities, with miners even using heavy equipment like excavators under the cover of darkness.

He also pointed to a tragic incident in the Matigara area last year, where three minors died due to a landslide during illegal sand excavation at the Balason river. Recently, two minor students from Muraliganj in Bidhannagar and Gangaram Tea Plantation in Ghoshpukur lost their lives in accidents involving tractors used in illegal mining operations.

In his...

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