1. Prohibition targets hilly terrains, water bodies, and low-lying areas.
2. Aims to prevent landslides, artificial floods, and persistent waterlogging.
3. Addresses historical issues causing significant loss of life and property.
Kamrup, May 19: In a decisive move to mitigate the risks associated with the monsoon season, the Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup Metropolitan District issued an order on May 18, banning unscientific and haphazard earth cutting and filling activities from May 1 to October 31, 2024.
This prohibition targets operations in hilly terrains, water bodies, and low-lying areas, aiming to prevent the occurrence of landslides, artificial floods, and persistent waterlogging that have historically led to significant loss of life and property.
District Commissioner Sumit Sattawan underscored the inherent dangers of unplanned construction activities in the issued order.
Sattawan highlighted that unscientific and erratic earth cutting destabilizes natural earth slopes, obstructs drainage systems, and instigates severe landslides and artificial floods.
These practices not only degrade the environment but also disrupt the ecological balance within the district.
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To enforce this prohibition effectively, all pertinent departments and enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance.
These entities include Revenue Circle Officers, District Police, Forest Departments, Public Works Department (PWD), Transport Department, Soil Conservation Department, and regulatory bodies such as the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA).
Commissioner Sattawan’s directive was explicit: “No earth cutting should be allowed until the monsoon season is over, regardless of existing permissions.”
Additionally, the order stipulates a ban on the transportation of earth obtained from hill cutting activities.
The directive also necessitates a thorough review and the immediate cancellation of any existing permissions granted for earth cutting and filling in vulnerable areas.
Sattawan instructed that “All permissions in the most vulnerable areas prone to landslides and flash floods must be reviewed and cancelled forthwith.”
This measure aims to safeguard these regions from the potential catastrophic impacts of unplanned construction activities during the monsoon.
Historically, the Kamrup Metropolitan District has faced significant challenges during the monsoon season. Unplanned earth cutting and filling have led to destabilized slopes and obstructed drainage systems, resulting in frequent landslides and flooding.
These incidents have caused substantial damage to property and posed severe risks to human life. The new order aims to address these issues by imposing stricter controls on earth cutting and filling activities, ensuring that such operations are conducted in a scientifically sound and environmentally sustainable manner.
Enforcement agencies are expected to carry out regular inspections and impose penalties on violators to ensure adherence to the ban.
The district administration’s proactive stance is intended to avert the adverse effects of the monsoon season and protect the district’s residents and infrastructure.
The Kamrup Metropolitan District’s new directive reflects a comprehensive approach to environmental conservation and public safety.
By curbing unplanned earth cutting and filling activities, the district aims to prevent environmental degradation and enhance resilience against natural disasters, ultimately promoting sustainable development and ecological balance.
