Guwahati: Alleged illegal sand mining in the Kulsi River under the Boko-Chaygaon Assembly constituency of Assam’s Kamrup district has raised questions over the misuse of Electronic Minor Mineral Transit Passes, popularly known as Brown E-TPs, and the possible impact on the habitat of the endangered Gangetic river dolphin.
Residents alleged that sand mining is continuing day and night in the Kulsi River, close to the Kulsi Range Forest Office under the West Kamrup Forest Division.
Hundreds of sand-laden trucks reportedly leave the area at night, carrying sand towards Guwahati and other urban areas.
Residents have alleged that despite the scale of the mining activity, the Forest Department has failed to take effective action against the alleged illegal operations.
The controversy has also centred on the alleged misuse of Brown E-TPs. According to concerned residents, some Brown E-TPs reportedly mention Ukiam in neighbouring Meghalaya as the source of the sand being transported to Guwahati.
Residents of the Ukiam area, however, have reportedly said that no sand mining activity is currently taking place there.
Residents further claimed that Ukiam falls within Assam’s Kamrup district under the Boko-Chaygaon Assembly constituency, despite being situated along the Assam-Meghalaya border.
While contacting residents of the Garo community in the Ukiam area along the Assam-Meghalaya border regarding the matter, they stated that no sand mining was being carried out in the area.
The allegations have raised questions over whether sand mined illegally from the Kulsi River is being shown as sand sourced from Meghalaya through the Brown E-TP system.
West Kamrup Forest Division authority officer Subodh Talukdar said that the Forest Department can presently check the Brown E-TPs carried by sand-laden trucks but cannot verify the actual source from which the sand was extracted. The statement has further fuelled concerns among residents over possible loopholes in the system.
Residents alleged that illegal sand mining is being carried out on a large scale in the Kulsi River, which flows through forested areas. They fear that continued extraction could drastically alter the riverbed, reduce water levels and cause extensive damage to the local ecosystem.
The Kulsi River is also known for its population of Gangetic river dolphins and its scenic natural surroundings. The river and adjoining areas attract tourists and nature enthusiasts because of the presence of the endangered aquatic mammals.
Locals fear that continued sand extraction could destroy the dolphins’ habitat and push the species towards local extinction.
According to information available from a dolphin population survey conducted in the Kulsi River in 2026, only around 20 river dolphins were reportedly recorded. Concerned residents alleged that the declining dolphin population is closely linked to the degradation of their habitat caused by relentless illegal sand mining.
They further alleged that dolphins were injured or killed by machinery used during sand extraction. They also claimed that diesel, mobile oil and other pollutants associated with mining operations enter the river water, posing an additional threat to aquatic life.
The issue has also raised questions over the interstate transportation component of the Brown E-TP system. Concerned residents questioned why an interstate transportation fee would allegedly be payable to Meghalaya if the sand is actually being extracted and sold from Assam.
They demanded clarification on whether any such fee is being paid to Meghalaya and, if not, why Meghalaya is being shown as the source of the sand in the transit documentation.
Residents of Kulsi and Ukiam have urged both the Assam and Meghalaya governments to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged misuse of Brown E-TPs and the suspected illegal sand mining network operating in the area.
They have also called for strict action against individuals found involved in illegal mining or misuse of the transit-pass system.
The residents further appealed to the Assam government and Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah to intervene immediately and protect the Kulsi River and its endangered river dolphin population.
They also urged the government to develop Kulsi and its adjoining areas as an eco-tourism destination, arguing that protecting the river and its wildlife could provide long-term environmental and economic benefits to the region.