Jitendra Chaudhury warns sand‑permit shift will harm Tripura's rivers

Tripura's legislative assembly member Jitendra Chaudhury has publicly condemned the state government's recent order to transfer the authority over sand‑mining permits from the Water Resources Department to the Industry Department. In a statement to local media, Chaudhury warned that the move could accelerate erosion, degrade water quality and ultimately destroy the state's river ecosystems.

The MLA argued that sand extraction is intrinsically linked to river health and that any relaxation of oversight could lead to unchecked mining activities. He called for a review of the decision and urged the government to retain environmental safeguards within the water department's jurisdiction.

While the government has not yet provided a detailed rationale for the administrative shift, officials say the change aims to streamline industrial development. Chaudhury, however, maintains that economic gains must not come at the expense of Tripura's natural waterways, which support agriculture, fisheries and local livelihoods.

The controversy adds to growing concerns across the Northeast about the impact of sand mining on fragile river systems. Environmental groups have previously highlighted similar issues in neighboring states, urging stricter regulation and community involvement.

The state administration has not responded to requests for comment as the debate continues in the public sphere.