Manipur Police has intensify the effort to curb illegal mining of sand, stones, pebbles etc. Today, police along with other concerned departments have undergo a drive to apprehend the people who are engaging in illegal mining.
So far, the Sekmai Police has apprehended 12 person along with their trucks for illegal mining in Sekmai river. On the other hand, one JCB Backhoe Loader and a Poclain have been apprehended.
On his Social Media post, Manipur CM N Biren Singh was reported to have said that this type of reckless mining which have resulted in serious environmental issues in the state must stop.
In 2019, the Manipur High Court has put a total ban on unauthorised stone quarry, sand mining in all rivers of the state in order to prevent river pollution. It further directed officials to take preventive measures to stop exploitation of the rivers.
The high court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Thoubal River Conservation Committee, a civic body, seeking a stop to the exploitation of the Thoubal river.