Assam: Illegal mining sparks controversy in West Kamrup, locals blame forest department

Illegal mining activities have been reported near Birpara village in the Chaygaon revenue circle, under the West Kamrup Forest Division. 

The issue was brought to light by local residents who observed unidentified individuals mining the hills under the cover of darkness. 

Locals allege that these activities are occurring due to collusion between the smugglers and the forest department, as the mining site is located merely four kilometres from key forest offices such as the West Kamrup Divisional Forest Office, Bamunigaon Range Office, and Protection Range Office.

Bamunigaon Range Officer Aminul Islam stated that the area in question falls under the jurisdiction of the revenue department, not the forest department. 

It has been noted that the smugglers have constructed a road approximately six feet wide and 150 meters long from NH 17, cutting through hills and valuable trees, to facilitate their activities without detection.

Local residents have criticized the forest department for imposing fines on villagers for cutting trees on their leasehold land while allegedly ignoring large-scale illegal mining. 

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They claim that over 20,000 trees were felled for the expansion of NH-17, and now mountains are being cut down with the forest department's tacit approval, contributing to environmental degradation and rising global temperatures.

Chaygaon Circle Officer Chiranjit Das took immediate action upon learning of the situation, dispatching staff to the site and confirming that the area is indeed under the revenue department but adjacent to forest land. 

Das clarified that no permissions were granted for hill mining and ordered the cessation of such activities. He also tasked the village headman with monitoring the area and emphasized the potential for forest department intervention.

In an effort to curb illegal hill cutting, boulder collection, and sand excavation in Kamrup district, District Commissioner and Magistrate Deba Kumar Mishra issued an order on 12 November, forming seven Task Forces for various revenue circles including Chaygaon. 

These Task Forces are responsible for conducting surprise checks in areas where unauthorized activities occur and reporting their findings to the District Commissioner. 

However, residents of Boko and Chaygaon have expressed concerns that the Task Forces have been ineffective due to alleged collusion between the smugglers, mafias, and the forest department.