Govt taking all necessary steps to address sand mining issue: Shyamkumar
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 02 2019:
The State Government is taking up all necessary steps to solve the issues over river sand mining.
Rivers ecosystem and environment will be protected while also safeguarding the livelihoods of sand miners and labourers, said Forest and Environment Minister Th Shyamkumar today.
He was speaking to media persons on the sideline of a programme held at Poireikhongjin under Andro AC to dug up a water body (pond) near Kaina Shri Shri Govindaji Mandir.
The Minister continued that the present issue is a result of the rampant illegal sand mining the river beds.
"There are certain rules and guidelines to be followed while mining sand from the river.
Sand miners and labourers should approach authorities concerned to get permission and legal lease for mining sand.
Workers should follow the rules and stick to the guidelines," he said.
Stating that sand mining should not disturb the river ecosystem and pollute the water beyond tolerable limit, the Shyamkumar said while informing that a solution will be brought soon to address the concern of all stakeholders.
A meeting on the matter chaired by the Chief Minister was also held recently, he added assuring that the Government is taking keen interest in solving the issue.
Lauding the people of Andro for digging up a pond near the Kaina Mandir, he said that the pond will be able to provide relief to farmers in the area who are in dire need of irrigation water.