Assam: Fertile lands at risk as illegal and unchecked earth mining continues in Kaliabor

With the conclusion of the harvest season and agricultural fields lying fallow during the month of Aghon, illegal soil excavation has reportedly intensified across several farming areas in Kaliabor, raising serious concerns among local residents and cultivators.

According to ground reports, unauthorised earth excavators have been operating openly on agricultural lands, allegedly flouting established rules and regulations. The unchecked extraction of soil has created an atmosphere of fear in the rural belt, with residents claiming that such activities are being carried out in a brazen manner, often without any apparent administrative intervention.

Scenes of heavy machinery digging into fertile farmlands have become increasingly common, threatening long-term agricultural productivity in the region. Farmers fear that continued excavation will irreversibly damage soil quality and render cultivable land unfit for future cropping cycles.

Officials and local sources indicate that the excavation is being carried out without mandatory departmental clearances. As a result, not only are large stretches of agricultural land being degraded, but the state exchequer is also reportedly suffering revenue losses running into several lakhs of rupees due to unpaid royalties and levies.

Residents have urged the district administration to take immediate action against those involved and to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to prevent further degradation of agricultural land.