Illegal sand mining activities have reportedly escalated at the No. 5 spur of the Jarabari–Panikhaiti stretch under the Palasbari Legislative Assembly Constituency, raising serious concerns over environmental damage and public safety.
Local residents alleged that white sand is being extracted indiscriminately from the Brahmaputra river channel in blatant violation of prescribed norms. Heavy machinery is reportedly being used to dig large pit-like craters along the riverbed, posing a significant threat to aquatic life, surrounding wildlife habitats, and nearby settlements. The unregulated excavation is also said to be disturbing the natural course and stability of the river, increasing the risk of erosion and accidents.
Sources claimed that the illegal operation is being carried out on a daily basis with the help of JCB machines and dumpers. The mined sand is allegedly being transported via the Jiakur–Kukumara route by illegal traders, despite clear restrictions on such movement.
The ongoing activity has raised questions over the role of the authorities. Officials from the Kukumara Forest Beat under the Nagarbera Reserve Forest, along with personnel of the adjacent forest depot, have reportedly remained silent on the issue, adding to public concern and suspicion.
Local farmers and villagers have voiced strong apprehension, warning that continued sand extraction could endanger the embankment and the concrete road in the area. Any damage to the embankment, they said, could lead to flooding, loss of farmland, and severe disruption to daily life, especially during the monsoon.
Residents have urged the district administration, forest department, and enforcement agencies to intervene immediately, halt the illegal mining, and conduct a detailed investigation. They have also demanded strict action against those responsible, cautioning that further delay could result in serious environmental and infrastructural consequences for the region.
