Committees formed in Chümoukedima to protect Chathe River from illegal mining

DIMAPUR — The district administration, Chümoukedima, has constituted the District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) and sub-division level enforcement committees (SDLECs) for the Chathe River and its tributaries to regulate riverbed mining and prevent illegal extraction activities.

According to an order issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Chümoukedima, on November 3, the move aims to ensure sustainable management of riverbed resources following growing concerns over environmental degradation caused by indiscriminate mining and the use of heavy machinery for extracting sand, gravel, and boulders.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Polan John stated that unregulated practices had resulted in erosion, pollution, destruction of aquatic habitats, and threats to public safety and livelihoods, according to a DIPR report.

Under the new directives, a complete ban has been imposed on the use of heavy machinery for extracting riverbed materials within Chümoukedima district unless proper licences and permissions are obtained as per the Nagaland Ownership and Transfer of Land and its Resources Act, 1990, and the Nagaland Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004. Violators will face stringent penalties, including arrest, seizure of machinery, fines, and prosecution.

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The DLMC will be convened by the DC and will include members from the departments of Geology and Mining, Police, Forest, Water Resources, PHED, and Agriculture, as well as representatives from the Chakhroma Public Organisation. The committee will oversee and periodically review compliance with the regulatory order and ensure effective coordination between agencies.

To strengthen enforcement at the grassroots level, SDLECs have also been formed for Medziphema and Seithekema. These committees, headed by respective administrative officers, will include representatives from the Police, Forests, Geology and Mining, local councils, and the Chakhroma Public Organisation. Their responsibilities include conducting regular inspections, preventing illegal extraction, creating awareness, and reporting compliance to the DLMC.

The DC emphasised that the cooperation of local communities, village councils, and civil society organisations is vital for protecting and preserving the district’s river resources. The administration urged citizens to support the initiative and work collectively towards environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.