Dibrugarh: Charaideo district administration has imposed restrictions on unauthorised earth cutting, excavation and soil removal from riverbanks, hills, embankments, govt land and other vulnerable locations.District magistrate Neha Yadav issued the order on Monday under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, citing reports that such activities could threaten public safety, damage infrastructure and worsen environmental problems.The order comes amid recurring floods and erosion concerns in upper Assam. Floods in July this year affected Charaideo, Sivasagar and Jorhat. Heavy rain in adjoining parts of Nagaland caused the Dikhow, Disang and other rivers to rise rapidly, inundating villages and disrupting life.The administration said unchecked excavation could destabilise riverbanks and embankments, accelerate erosion and increase flood and landslide risks.A task force will be formed in each affected area, comprising the circle officer, range officer, officer-in-charge of the police stations concerned, field officer, lot mandal and gaon pradhan. The teams will regularly inspect vulnerable locations under the circle officer’s supervision.The order directs the task forces to take legal action against violators, including filing FIRs. The senior superintendent of police, Charaideo, has been asked to ensure compliance and report illegal earth cutting.“The members of the task force shall maintain strict vigilance, regularly inspect and monitor all such sites and take necessary preventive measures against unauthorised earth cutting, excavation and removal of soil,” the order read.Violations will attract action under Section 223 of the BNS, 2023, and other applicable laws.
