Archive · 21 Nov 2025
Siliguri Police Raids Sand Mafia; MP Calls for River Protection
Police in Siliguri, India, raided a group illegally mining sand from the Balason river.
A local MP said this is happening in many rivers and is harming the environment.
He wants the government to stop it.
Siliguri police seized six dumpers and arrested six drivers in a raid on suspected illegal sand mining from Balason river
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista criticized the administration for allowing large-scale illegal mining in the region
Bista described the situation as an environmental catastrophe, alleging administrative connivance in the operation
Bista warned of similar illegal mining activities in other rivers across Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars regions
Bista plans to approach MoEFCC and NGT to intervene and shut down all illegal mining operations
- Who
- Siliguri Metropolitan Police, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista
- What
- raided illegal sand mining operations, criticized administration, warned of environmental damage
- When
- Wednesday night, ongoing
- Where
- Balason river in Matigara, other rivers in Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars regions
- Why
- To protect the environment and stop illegal activities
Environmental Conservation
Economic Interests
Illegal Mining
Environmental Conservation
Harmful to river ecosystems and local communities
Economic Interests
Provides livelihood and economic growth
- River Affected
- Balason river
- Arrests Made
- 6 drivers
- Dumpers Seized
- 6
- Other Affected Rivers
- Teesta, Rangeet, Ramam, Relli, Pala, Jaldhaka, Mahananda
- MP's Next Steps
- Approach MoEFCC and NGT
