Red sand trafficker caught
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 04 2015 :
After receiving specific information about the presence of trucks loaded with illegally quarried red sand at Khuman Lampak Stadium (Dingku) Road, a team of Range Forest Officer, Sadar East Range under the Central Forest Division conducted a surprise raid and apprehended more than 20 trucks loaded with illegally quarried red sand today.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed all the concerned stakeholders to stop all forms of illegal red sand excavation from foothill areas.
Following the SC direction, the Forest Department and the Environment Department of the State Government had conducted an environment impact assessment.
The assessment confirmed that illegal sand quarry in various areas of the State has not only caused severe environmental degradation but has also polluted nearby rivers.
The apprehended trucks were ferrying red sand illegally excavated from different areas without any permit.
Under the Indian Forest Act 1927 and Manipur Forest Rules 1971, traffickers must pay a fine of Rs 25,000 or could face one month imprisonment or both in some cases, stated Range Forest Officer E Home Singh.
He added that the Forest Department has been trying to stop such illegal activities as it has severely ruined the environment.
To stop such actions, the department alone cannot succeed, public must understand the cost of one's greed and must provide all forms of help, he added.
As first time offenders, the apprehended truckers will be compounded with the fine and will be later released, said Home adding that the punishment under the law will be severe if the offenders are caught again.
The exact locations could not be ascertained as from where the red sand was quarried but sources said that most of the red sand are quarried from the foothills of Itham Moirangpurel areas of Imphal East district.