SECC appeals Bhalla to curb illegal mining activities
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 04 2025: The Safe Environment Campaign Committee (SECC) has appealed to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to take immediate and necessary action to curb illegal mining activities in Manipur.

A press note issued by M Inaobi Singh, chairman, SECC, has informed that illegal excavation of minor minerals such as hill earth, sand, and stone continues unabated in Manipur, despite the High Court of Manipur's ban order issued on July 25, 2018 .

Despite requests to enforce the ban, State authorities have remained inactive allowing illegal excavation to persist across various parts of the State, causing irreversible damage to forests and the environment, claimed SECC.

Recent incidents, such as the interception of 16 heavy vehicles (Tipper Trucks) at Khundrakpam, Imphal East by local clubs and the arrest of five offenders along with vehicles from the river at Luther village within the jurisdiction of Nongpok Sekmai Police Station in Thoubal district, clearly indicate the rampant illegal mining still taking place, it added.

SECC has urged the Governor to curb such illegal mining activities and bring them within the legal framework.

It further reasoned that proper regulation of mineral excavation will not only protect the environment and forests but also contribute crores to the State exchequer, ensuring sustainable development in Manipur.

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