SECC flags illegal hill earth mining in RF
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 07 2026: The Safe Environment Campaign Committee (SECC) has alleged that illegal excavation of hill earth is being carried out with heavy machinery at Leimaching inside Nongmaiching Reserve Forest, despite a 2018 High Court ban.

In a press note, SECC said unidentified persons have been digging for several days.

The group said the activity shows "failure" of the Forest Department and other authorities to enforce the High Court order of July 25, 2018 that banned unregulated excavation.

SECC claimed records over the last 10 years show most illegal excavations in valley areas took place in reserve forests of Imphal East.

It alleged many such activities are done under "political patronage", often at the behest of influential persons and ruling party MLAs.

The committee said it has been pressing the State to regulate excavation to stop "large-scale looting of natural resources", protect the State's ecosystem and forest cover, and ensure lawful collection of revenue.

It added that past interventions by SECC had led to recovery of lakhs in royalty and penalties.

SECC urged authorities to enforce the 2018 High Court order.

"Failing this, we may be compelled to initiate appropriate legal proceedings, including contempt of Court", the SECC said.

Comment