NTUCT calls for ban on riverbed mining

In this file photo, trucks are seen transporting boulders extracted from the Chathe River, Dimapur. (Morung File Photo: For Representative Purposes Only)

Dimapur, February 24 (MExN): The Naga Tribal Union Chümoukedima Town (NTUCT) on Monday lashed out at the district administration and demanded strict enforcement of the order banning the use of heavy machineries for extraction of resources in the Chathe River. 

In a press release, the NTUCT stated that despite the standing order banning the use of heavy machineries for extraction of resources in Dhansiri and Chathe River within Dimapur district, the concerned administration is not bothered to either oversee the effectiveness of its own order or check if it is being implemented. NTUCT gave the district administration 7 days to enforce the ban, failing which “the people of Chümoukedima will not allow any stone boulder laden trucks to cross the Police check gate” irrespective of where the trucks are coming from. It also held the concerned authority responsible if any law and order situation arise thereof. 

Pointing out that the constant flow of heavy machinery and boulder-laden trucks along the river and its upstream tributaries make the water muddy and contaminated throughout the year, it said that the harmful impact is directly affecting the people of Chümoukedima town and its surrounding villages. 

The situation is getting more and more aggravated during the current lean period where both humans and animals are all depending on this river, it added.