The All Dimasa Students’ Union (ADSU), Dima Hasao District Committee has submitted a formal representation to the Chief Conservator of Forests, Haflong, expressing serious concern over alleged illegal, unregulated and environmentally destructive riverbed mining activities across the district.
In the memorandum, ADSU alleged that large-scale extraction of sand, gravel, stones and boulders from major rivers, including the Diyung, Mahur, Langting and Jatinga, has caused severe ecological degradation. The student body claimed that the use of heavy excavators and mechanised equipment inside active river channels has intensified environmental damage and threatens local ecosystems, infrastructure and indigenous communities.
According to the organisation, unscientific mining practices are accelerating riverbank erosion, increasing the risk of landslides and posing threats to key transport infrastructure, including highways and railway lines. ADSU also alleged that excessive riverbed excavation has damaged aquatic habitats, affecting native fish populations and disrupting natural river systems.
The memorandum further stated that indiscriminate mining is lowering groundwater levels and drying up gravity-fed water sources relied upon by rural communities for drinking water. The union warned that indigenous communities dependent on rivers for fishing, agriculture and household needs are facing growing socioeconomic challenges.
Highlighting Dima Hasao’s status as an ecologically sensitive Sixth Schedule district, ADSU argued that such activities violate provisions of the Assam Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2013, guidelines issued by the Supreme Court of India and directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding mining operations in riverbeds.
The organisation has demanded an immediate halt to all illegal mining activities, seizure of unauthorised heavy machinery operating in river channels and the constitution of a joint inspection team comprising forest officials, district authorities, environmental experts and local representatives.
ADSU also called for strict legal action against operators allegedly conducting mining without valid leases, approved mining plans or environmental clearances. In addition, it urged authorities to designate ecologically sensitive stretches, erosion-prone areas and riverbank zones as protected no-mining areas.
Warning of further action, the student body said it expects visible field-level intervention within 15 days, failing which it may launch democratic protests and approach the National Green Tribunal’s Eastern Zone Bench seeking judicial intervention.
