The ongoing illegal sand extraction at several points along the Teesta River in Lalmonirhat evokes both concern and frustration. According to a report by this daily, despite repeated enforcement drives, this practice continues unabated, worsening riverbank erosion and threatening cropland, homesteads, and infrastructure. The fact that this has been going on for years and affects not only the Teesta but several other rivers as well prompts us to ask why the government has been unable to investigate the deep-rooted sociopolitical and economic factors that facilitate such crimes.
The report highlights a drive conducted by the Lalmonirhat district administration, which resulted in the seizure of multiple extraction machines. But the locals alleged that such drives only offer superficial benefits, as the sand extractors—backed by syndicates—return within a few days to resume operations. It is difficult to believe that the local administration is unaware of this pattern. So, when officials reiterate their “zero tolerance” policy against illegal sand extraction and point to mobile drives launched as soon as they receive intel, the responses risk sounding like a way to achieve tokenistic momentum rather than a sustained prevention strategy.
Illegal sand extraction has been one of the most persistent and damaging environmental offences in recent years; it is also a highly profitable business, driven by the demand from the construction industry. Although illegal sand mining is an offence under the law and there is a nationwide crackdown on this practice, none of it has proven to be very effective due to weak enforcement and political patronage. The culture of impunity also plays a role here, as seen in armed gangs allegedly attacking locals and administrative bodies. The fact that the problem has been persistent for so long only suggests that it has been deeply embedded in many local economies and social realities.
We, therefore, urge the government to address the problem at its roots. This should include regular river patrols instead of sporadic drives, a prompt investigation into the syndicates, and stricter regulation of the sand supply chain. The authorities must also ensure a just transition for all those whose livelihoods currently depend on this illegal trade, while making sure the syndicate leaders face justice. A greater public awareness about the long-term environmental and economic costs of indiscriminate sand extraction must also be facilitated so that a strong community conservation force can begin to take root.
