BJP MLA writes to CM to address illegal mining in Siliguri

Anandamay Barman, Member of Parliament (Matigara Naxalbari) and senior BJP leader, has called for urgent intervention from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to put a permanent end to illegal mining activities in the region.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Barman called for strict enforcement of environmental laws and the issuance of guidelines to regulate mining activities.

Mr Barman highlighted the widespread illegal sand and stone mining activities in the Matigara and Naxalbari areas, with some government officials and police officers suspected of colluding with local political leaders and sand mafia groups.

He noted that these activities continue despite a district administration order (Order No. 62/M&M/DLLRO-DJ/24, dated 28/06/2024) prohibiting mining during the monsoon season.

“Despite the order of the Darjeeling District Magistrate, sand mafia groups continue to extract and transport sand and stones from riverbeds in blatant violation of the ‘Guidelines for Sustainable Sand Mining Management 2016’,” Mr Barman said.

He identified rivers like Mahananda, Balason, Rakti, Mechi and Chenga as hotspots for these illegal activities, with miners deploying heavy equipment like excavators even in the dark.

He also pointed out a tragic incident in Matigara area last year where three minors died in a landslide during illegal sand mining near Balason river. Recently, two minor students from Muraliganj in Bidhannagar and Gangaram Tea Plantation in Ghoshpukur lost their lives in accidents involving tractors used in illegal mining activities.

In his letter, Mr Barman also raised concerns about illegal stone crushers operating on expired permits, allegedly with the tacit support of corrupt government officials and police officers, often in collusion with local Trinamul leaders.

He mentioned several areas where these crushers are located, including Gulma on the Mahananda River, Putinbari, Khaprail and Tarabari on the Balason River and Rakamjote in Naxalbari on the Mechi River.

The BJP leader warned of the serious environmental damage caused by unsustainable mining practices, including significant erosion of river banks, destabilisation of riverbeds and drastic decline in groundwater levels, negatively impacting agriculture and drinking water availability.

He stressed that these practices have not only led to increased flooding but also to significant loss of government revenue, which could have been used for public development projects.

BJP MP Barman urged the CM to take action against the ongoing illegal mining activities and suspend the approval of a new crusher project in the region until the situation is brought under control.