ADSU Seeks Halt to Illegal Riverbed Mining in Dima Hasao

HAFLONG: The All Dimasa Students’ Union (ADSU), Dima Hasao district committee, has urged the Forest Department to immediately stop alleged illegal and unregulated riverbed mining across the district. In a representation to the Chief Conservator of Forests, Haflong, the organisation raised concerns over excessive extraction of sand, gravel, stones and boulders from the Diyung, Mahur, Langting and Jatinga rivers.

ADSU alleged that mechanised mining was damaging riverbanks, increasing erosion and threatening nearby infrastructure, including roads and railway lines. It also raised concerns over aquatic habitats, groundwater levels and rural drinking-water sources, and demanded action against non-compliant mining sites, including the seizure of unauthorised heavy machinery operating inside river channels.