Guwahati: Illegal stone mining is tearing through the Tinkopani Reserved Forest in the Jagun Forest Range. Heavy machinery, including poclains, excavators, and dumpers, operates in broad daylight. The equipment strips the earth to pull out stones for transport. This activity has persisted for a long time.
Deep pits now scar the forest floor. Rainwater fills these holes, creating dangerous, pond-like depressions. This site sits squarely within an active elephant habitat and movement corridor. Local observers warn these hazards threaten elephants and other wildlife that stumble into the traps. Experts fear the damage reaches beyond simple craters. Extensive digging alters the soil structure and local drainage, potentially disrupting the natural flow of the nearby Tirap River.
The Digboi Forest Division faces intense scrutiny over its monitoring failures. Residents are demanding a formal investigation into the extent of the damage. One local observer stated, "The reported activity has prompted questions over the frequency and effectiveness of inspections and monitoring by the Forest Department."
Authorities must now track the quantity of stolen material and identify those responsible. The forest needs urgent restoration to protect remaining wildlife. Officials have yet to launch a full-scale assessment of the illegal operation.
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