MCCPO cautions against illegal riverbed extraction

DIMAPUR: Medziphema Circle Chakhroma Public Organization (MCCPO) has issued a public notice cautioning Village Councils, landowners, contractors, suppliers, railway construction firms, heavy machinery owners and operators, dumper vehicle owners, and the general public within Medziphema Circle against unauthorized extraction of sand, gravel, boulders and other riverbed materials, as well as pollution of rivers and streams.
Drawing attention to the order issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Chümoukedima, restricting the use of heavy machinery for extraction/mining of riverbed materials within the district, MCCPO stated that indiscriminate and unregulated extraction poses serious long term threats, including riverbank erosion, destruction of aquatic ecosystems, contamination of water sources, depletion of groundwater, increased risk of floods and landslides, and damage to roads, bridges, culverts, railway infrastructure, and public and private property.
MCCPO therefore directed all concerned to refrain from unauthorized extraction and pollution of river water, and to strictly comply with the Government order and statutory requirements. Village Councils, landowners and stakeholders were urged to ensure that no person or agency undertakes such activities without valid approval from competent authorities.
MCCPO cautioned that violators may face seizure and confiscation of machinery, vehicles and equipment, imposition of penalties, and prosecution under relevant laws. The organization called upon all concerned to comply with the order with immediate effect.