Nagaland: DC Niuland bans riverbed mining

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Niuland has ordered a complete ban on use of heavy machinery for extraction of boulders, gravel, sand and other riverbed resources within Niuland district jurisdiction without obtaining relevant permissions/licenses granted under Nagaland (Ownership and Transfer of Land and its Resources) Act,1990 and Nagaland Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004 and all other applicable regulatory compliances.
In an order, DC Niuland Sara S Jamir took serious note of rampant extraction of sand, gravel, boulders
and other materials causing significant environmental degradation and disruption of the ecosystem along the stretch of Chathe river falling under Niuland district,
DC Niuland stated that mining activities were detrimental to public interest and among others, violative of the provisions of the Environment protection Act, 1986; Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; and Rules 49 and 50 of the Nagaland Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004 and could be deemed to be illegal in the absence of authorized permit/ license.
DC cautioned that any individual, group, firm or organization that violated the order would be liable to penal action and including arrest, seizure and confiscation of machinery, tool, equipment and vehicles, imposition of fines and prosecution under relevant section of law and rules.