Illegal sand mining altered river beds across Bengal: Environmentalists

Excessive and illegal sand mining have been altering the river bed, forcing the river to change course, leading to bank erosion and flooding across West Bengal.

Kolkata: Illegal sand mining activity from river beds and deforestation practices have led to changes in direction of rivers across North Bengal, an environmentalist said.

For over ten years, river Teesta, used to flow along the Burnish area of Maynaguri in Jalpaiguri district and then it diverted towards Bangladesh. But, illegal mining of sand and stones from the river bed in the Rangdhamali area has led to a change in the path of the river. "It is now flowing close to the Sarada Pally area of Jalpaiguri town," said Raja Rout, secretary of Jalpaiguri Science Nature Club.

The Siltorsha River in Alipurduar district frequently changes track due to rampant illegal mining of sand. Rout added, on several occasions, the river has changed its course through the Jaldapara area and damaged trees and forest land. The Kaljani and Raidak rivers of Alipurduar district have likewise changed course and directed itself towards the Buxa Tiger Reserve, endangering wildlife as well as habitation.

“We know that illegal mining of stones and sand also continues in neighbouring Bhutan. The National Green Tribunal has strictly laid down rules about mining of stones from riverbed yet the illegal activities are rampant in India as well as in neighbouring countries,” said Rout.

The Jaldhaka and Diana rivers keeps getting flooded which then affects the Jaigaon, Birpara, Madarihat and adjoining areas of Alipurduar.

“A committee was set up in 1998 to assess the damages done due to unregulated and illegal mining of sand and stones from riverbeds. A report was submitted in three years. We had cited both long term as well as short term damages due to these activities on the flow of rivers in North Bengal. Accordingly, the NGT had imposed a ban on such activities. But, lack of surveillance by the district authorities has resulted in more damages,” says former head of the department, Geography, North Bengal University, Subir Sarkar.

Sarkar also pointed out that lack of proper information from Bhutan on the amount of rainfall in the neighbouring country is another reason, which leads to loss of man and property.