Nagaland Panels formed to regulate riverbed mining in Chümou district

To ensure sustainable management of riverbed resources and curb illegal mining activities, the Chümoukedima district administration has constituted district level monitoring committee (DLMC) and sub-division level enforcement committees for the Chathe River and its tributaries.
According to a DIPR report, the committees have been formed amid growing concerns over the environmental degradation caused by indiscriminate riverbed mining and the use of heavy machinery for extracting sand, gravel, and boulders.
In an order, the office of the deputy commissioner (DC) Chümoukedima, Polan John, stated that such unregulated practices have led to erosion, pollution, destruction of aquatic habitats, and threats to public safety and livelihoods.
Under the new directives, a complete ban has been imposed on the use of heavy machinery for extraction of riverbed materials within the jurisdiction of Chümoukedima district, unless proper licenses and permissions were obtained as per the Nagaland Ownership and Transfer of Land and its Resources Act, 1990 and the Nagaland Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004.
DC cautioned that violators would face stringent penalties including arrest, seizure of machinery, fines, and prosecution. DLMC would be convened by DC Chümoukedima, and would include members from key departments such as geology & mining, police, forest, water resources, PHED, and agriculture, as well as representatives from Chakhroma Public Organization.
The committee would also oversee and periodically review compliance with the regulatory order and ensure effective coordination between agencies. To strengthen enforcement at the grassroots level, sub-division level enforcement committees (SDLC) have also been formed for Medziphema and Seithekema. SDLCs, headed by respective administrative officers, would include representatives from the police, forests, geology & mining, local councils, and Chakhrüma Public Organization. Their responsibilities include regular inspections, prevention of illegal extractions, awareness creation, and reporting compliance to the DLMC.
DC has sought cooperation of local communities, village councils, and civil society organizations for protecting and preserving the district’s river resources. The district administration has urged the citizens to support the initiative and work collectively towards environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.