Assam Floods: Illegal Mining Blamed for Devastation

The Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) has alleged that illegal extraction of coal, stone, and other resources in hills bordering Nagaland is responsible for the devastating floods that recently occurred in upper Assam districts. The organization stated it possesses significant evidence, including photographs, to support its claims of extensive illegal mining activities over several years.

According to the KMSS, the unprecedented damage in districts like Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat resulted from sustained indifference and inaction by political figures and government agencies. Locals in affected areas have also reported frequent movements of heavy machinery towards the border hills for mining purposes.

KMSS general secretary Bidyut Saikia pointed to the extensive felling of trees and hollowed-out hills as primary environmental destruction. He explained that such activities weaken the natural stability of the slopes, reducing their capacity to absorb rainwater and increasing the risk of landslides and soil erosion, which exacerbates downstream flooding.

Experts concur that unchecked mining, deforestation, and barren slopes can intensify flooding. The clearing of forests reduces rainwater absorption and increases surface runoff, carrying sediment into rivers. The scale of mining, terrain, and rainfall intensity are key factors determining the severity of such flood events.