In response to growing environmental concerns and public protests, the district administration of Lower Subansiri has issued a strict order to stop all illegal sand mining and quarrying activities in key areas near Ziro. The directive, issued under order No. GMZ/MM/2024-25 dated March 17, 2025, bans unregulated extraction of minor minerals and operation of sand washing units in and around Siiro, Manipolyang, Siipu, and Pine Grove.
The crackdown comes after a formal complaint was submitted on April 14, 2025, by the All Yazali Kora Students’ Union and the All Yachuli Param Putu Students’ Union. The unions raised alarms over rampant illegal sand mining in the Khel River and its tributaries near Pine Grove, Siiro, Manipolyang, and Siipyu. They accused the operators of using harmful and unscientific methods that have severely damaged the environment.
According to the student groups, these unauthorized activities have led to serious ecological harm, including the indiscriminate dumping of construction debris into the river, which has adversely impacted aquatic life and disrupted the river ecosystem. The environmental damage has also raised concerns about the health and livelihoods of communities living downstream, particularly in panchayats such as Mai, Zath, Yachuli, Dodo, Yazali, and neighboring areas of Keyi Panyor district.
The administration has given all individuals and organizations involved in these illegal mining activities a seven-day deadline to halt operations. Authorities have warned that failure to comply will result in strict legal action under The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
