ASSAM: DC ORDERS INQUIRY INTO HUGE STACKING OF SANDS FOLLOWING DIRECTIVE FROM ENVIRONMENT & FOREST MINISTER

Deputy Commissioner Adil Khan has ordered an inquiry into huge stacking of sands under Katlicherra Circle in Hailakandi district following direction from the Environment and Forest Minister, Parimal Suklabaidya.

Minister Suklabaidya inspected the site along with Deputy Commissioner Khan, Superintendent of Police, Mohneesh Mishra, senior district administration and forest officials on May 17 while he was on his way back to Katigorah after attending the inaugural function of a piped water supply scheme at Rupacherra.

Khan directed the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), NH Mazumder to conduct the inquiry into huge piling of sands at Rangabak Part I on east side of Bajemara to Ananda Bazar under Katlicherra Circle.

In the order, the Deputy Commissioner directed the DFO to conduct the inquiry in the presence of the Subdivisional Magistrate, Hailakandi, P. Timung, and to submit the report to him immediately.

Khan also instructed the DFO to report any other irregularities for necessary action and to ensure that no illegal activities concerning his department take place.  The order says, in case of any such activities, the DFO has to report immediately to the Deputy Commissioner.

Meanwhile, DFO Mazumder informed Deputy Commissioner Khan that on measurement he found 10681.0 cubic meters of sand dumped at 23 different points at Bajemara area collected from Katakhal sand mining unit No.4 and Dhaleswari sand mining unit No.1 on May 17 and ordered for its seizure.

Following the inquiry, the licence of the mohal has been suspended. Chief Conservator of Forests, Southern Assam Circle, Silchar also made a visit to the area on May 18.

Meanwhile, notice has been served to the owner of the mining units with direction to produce supporting documents for collection and storage of sand at Bajemara area. In this connection, Assistant Conservator of Forests (Headquarters), A. Dutta has been asked to conduct a thorough inquiry into the collection and storage of sand.