Earth quarrying in agricultural land continues: LOUSAL
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 13 2023:
While pointing out that digging soil from agricultural lands in Langathel and Phundrei continues unabated, LOUSAL president Mutum Churamani urged the authorities concerned to look into the matter and take appropriate actions.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here on Monday, Churamani regretted that even as massive deforestation for cultivating poppy in the hilly areas is causing scarcity of water and affecting irrigation, the size of prime agricultural land has been shrinking in every district despite enactment of the Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2014.He also contended that a total of 2000 'pari' of agricultural land in Langathel and Phundrei area are now filled with dust as numerous excavators and dumpers are being used for digging soil from agricultural land consequently creating a hazardous situation for nearby residents.
Recalling that excavation of soil from agricultural area had ceased for a while after LOUSAL drew attention of the authorities concerned through the media, Churamani continued that resumption of the digging earth quarrying activities with permission issued by the District Agriculture Officer will harm the soil health and fertility of agricultural land.
As such, he urged the government and authorities concerned to look into the matter so as to save the agricultural land and punish the officers involved in flouting the guidelines framed for protection of agricultural land.