Illegal soil mining triggers outrage in Assam's Nagaon village

Allegations of large-scale illegal soil excavation have surfaced from Morikolong Kutoni’s Dhepajan area in Nagaon district of Assam, with local residents accusing a group of land brokers of carrying out unregulated digging for nearly three years.

According to villagers, the excavation—allegedly carried out in the name of digging ponds—has drastically altered the landscape of the area and even led to the formation of what residents describe as an “artificial river island.” Locals claim that the activity has continued despite repeated complaints to authorities.

Residents allege that a few influential soil traders, reportedly backed by political support, have been conducting the excavation without obtaining necessary permissions from the administration. The villagers said the digging has been going on continuously for about three years, raising serious safety concerns in the locality.

Local people further claimed that the large pits created through the excavation have become hazardous, and several accidental deaths have reportedly occurred in the area over the years due to the dangerous conditions created by the digging.

Villagers have also expressed dissatisfaction with what they describe as the inaction of the district administration and the forest department. Despite approaching the authorities on multiple occasions, they say no concrete measures have been taken to stop the activity.

The residents have now urged the district administration to conduct an immediate inquiry and take strict action against those involved in the alleged illegal excavation to prevent further risks to lives and the environment.