Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said the Assam government does not have the authority to stop mining activities in Nagaland amid concerns that mining operations may have contributed to the recent devastating floods in upper Assam.
Speaking during his visit to Sivasagar, Sarma said only a detailed scientific investigation could establish whether mining in the neighbouring state played any role in triggering the floods.
“Nagaland has its own government. What policy the Nagaland government adopts is something we will have to discuss with the Central government. If I say I will stop it, I must remember that I am only the Chief Minister of Assam. But there is no illegal mining taking place within Assam,” he said.
Responding to concerns raised by local residents over stone mining, Sarma noted that mining-related activities have become a major source of livelihood for many people in the area.
“Almost all the people there are now dependent on mining for their livelihood. So I have told the local people that they themselves should take a decision. One young woman raised the issue, but the others said, ‘How will we earn our livelihood?’” he said.
The Chief Minister added that the Assam government could consider shutting down stone crushers operating on the Assam side if doing so would help mitigate the problem.
“What we can do is shut down the stone crushers operating on the Assam side. If that helps in any way, we will definitely do it,” he said.
On the issue of coal mining in Nagaland, Sarma said the matter would have to be taken up with the Central government, as it falls beyond Assam’s jurisdiction.
While refraining from linking mining activities directly to the floods, Sarma stressed that the matter should be examined scientifically rather than politically.
“This is not something politicians can answer. It did not happen every year, so why did it happen this year? Satellite data and scientific analysis are needed to determine the reasons,” he said.
He suggested that institutions such as IIT Guwahati or other expert agencies undertake a comprehensive study to identify the causes of the floods.
“If politicians like us could answer such questions so easily, then there would be no need for experts. Geology is not my subject, nor is geography. How can I give a definitive answer? I am a student of political science,” Sarma said.
He emphasized that conducting a scientific study should be the immediate priority, adding that its findings should guide future policy decisions.
“Conducting a scientific study is the most important task. But what conclusions such a study will reach is something neither you nor I can predict. Therefore, after the floods, we have repeatedly urged the Central government,” he said.
Sarma also pointed out that Nagaland had been affected by floods and said the neighbouring state should undertake a similar scientific assessment to better understand the causes and develop long-term mitigation measures.