Despite the Manipur High Court on July 2 imposed a total ban on unauthorized stones quarrying, sand mining and river pollution in all rivers in the state, unauthorized quarrying and mining continues unabated in the state.

The ban order came in response of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Thoubal River Conservation Committee.The High Court had taken up a suo motto PIL case based on a representation to Court of rampant excavation in the river bed and washing of sand and stones in the river itself cause the river water to be polluted, making it unsafe for human consumption and other domestic purpose.

Division bench comprising, Chief Justice, Ramalingam Sudhakar and Justice Kh. Nobin passed the favourable judgement. 

The law Order had directed the deputy commissioners and the superintendent of police of Imphal east district to furnish reports about the number of cases that have been registered and legal actions taken against the offenders as directed by the court.

The Court further had urged the people to approach the Registrar General of Manipur High Court and report any unlawful or unauthorized activities of sand and stone mining by giving details of the person who indulges in such activities; the type of machines used by the offenders and photographs so that appropriate orders can be passed by the Court from time to time. The information shall be in the form of sworn affidavit with enclosures.

Despite the court direction to the Deputy Commissioners, the Superintendents of Police and the District Forest Officers of all the districts to take preventive measures in order to ensure that unauthorized and unlawful activities do not take place in the rivers of the state,  stone quarrying and sand mining activities are happening unabated especially on the Sekmai river along the NH 2 stretch. 

Speaking to KRC Times,  one of the marginal workers who requested anonymity said “stone quarrying and sand mining is their only source of sustenance. How do we survive if you prohibit us to engage in the only income generating avenue.” So over 10,000 marginal wage earners, especially widows who have no livelihood source volunteer as labours for this labour intensive activities.  While their earning is marginal,  the contractor keep the heafty share of the earning.