Itanagar, March 18, 2026:
The District Magistrate of Itanagar Capital Region has imposed an immediate ban on all earth cutting activities across the jurisdiction, citing serious safety concerns and increasing risks of landslides.
The order, issued by District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner Shri Toko Babu, highlights that unauthorized earth cutting has been taking place at multiple locations without prior approval from competent authorities. Such activities have been identified as a major threat to human life, particularly during the monsoon season, when landslides and road blockages become more frequent.
According to the directive, illegal earth cutting not only endangers lives but also leads to obstruction of drainage systems and river streams. It further results in damage to public infrastructure, including government buildings, roads, culverts, stormwater drains, and other essential facilities. The administration also noted that these activities have caused blockages along key routes such as NH-415 and various sector roads, disrupting connectivity.
Invoking provisions under Sections 30(1) and 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the district administration has taken this step as a preventive measure to mitigate potential disasters and ensure public safety.
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| Official order issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Itanagar |
The order mandates that all private individuals as well as government organizations must immediately cease earth cutting activities until further notice. Administrative officers, including the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Itanagar/Naharlagun and the Circle Officer (CO) Banderdewa, have been directed to enforce the ban strictly within their respective jurisdictions.
To support enforcement, the Superintendent of Police, Itanagar/Naharlagun, has been instructed to deploy adequate police personnel as required. The public has also been encouraged to report violations to the District Grievances Redressal Cell.
The administration has warned that violators will face strict legal action under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Disaster Management Act, 2005. FIRs will be registered against defaulters by the concerned authorities.
The move is aimed at preventing disasters ahead of the monsoon season and ensuring the safety of residents and infrastructure in the capital region.
