Bajrang Dal protest erupts in Bajali over illegal sand mining and overloaded dumpers threatening lives and environment

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 23, 2025

Tensions flared in Bajali on Monday as members of the Bajrang Dal staged a protest in front of the District Commissioner’s office and local beat office, demanding an immediate crackdown on rampant illegal sand mining and the unchecked movement of overloaded dumpers near the Pahumara River.

Protesters voiced alarm over what they called “blatant environmental destruction” caused by continuous sand extraction along the riverbank. They warned that the ecological balance of the region, including areas near the Manas National Park, is under serious threat due to the administration’s negligence.

“Illegal sand mining is killing the Pahumara River, and no one is stopping it,” said Himangshu Deka, president of Bajrang Dal. He also blamed reckless driving and a lack of regulation for the death of a youth near Kenduguri on Sunday night, allegedly caused by an overloaded vehicle.

Dumpers overloaded with sand and emitting heavy pollution are reportedly operating around the clock in Bajali, damaging roads and endangering commuters. Locals say the issue has made roads leading to eco-sensitive zones like Manas National Park extremely hazardous.

“If residents are unsafe on these roads, what about the tourists? It’s only a matter of time before a tragedy strikes,” said a concerned local.

Pranjit Talukdar, vice president of Bajrang Dal, added, “There is zero enforcement. Dumpers run overloaded without restriction, and illegal sand mining continues with impunity. Nature is being destroyed in the name of business—with official complicity.”

The group submitted a memorandum to the district administration demanding an immediate halt to all illegal sand mining operations, routine checks on vehicle loading and punitive action against violators of mining and environmental laws.

The protest reflects growing public outrage in Bajali, where residents say environmental degradation and administrative inaction have persisted for too long. Calls are now rising for swift and visible action before more lives—and the region’s ecology—are put at risk.