West Tripura admin cracks down on illegal earth cutting, makes prior permission mandatory

The West Tripura district administration has tightened regulations on earth excavation and soil transportation, making prior approval from Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) mandatory for any such activity across the district.

The move comes amid reports of unauthorized soil extraction and earth-cutting operations being carried out at several locations without official clearance. Authorities fear that unchecked excavation could trigger environmental damage, threaten infrastructure, and adversely affect both public and private properties.

In a recent directive, the District Magistrate of West Tripura stated that no individual, contractor, organization, or agency will be permitted to dig, cut, or transport soil without obtaining permission from the concerned SDM. The order has been issued under relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2025.

Officials said unauthorized earthwork has increasingly become a matter of concern, particularly during the monsoon season when indiscriminate excavation can heighten the risk of land erosion, waterlogging, and other disaster-related vulnerabilities.

To ensure enforcement of the directive, Panchayat Secretaries and Ward Secretaries have been tasked with monitoring their respective jurisdictions. They have been instructed to immediately report any instances of illegal earth excavation, soil cutting, or transportation to the appropriate sub-divisional authorities.

The administration has warned that violations of the order will invite legal action and stressed that the restrictions are aimed at safeguarding the environment, protecting public assets, and preventing activities that could create hazardous conditions.