Guwahati, 26 August (HS): The Gauhati High Court has admitted a PIL filed by former Leader of the Opposition and former Nazira MLA Debabrata Saikia over the devastating floods in Upper Assam. The court has sought detailed replies from the Assam and Nagaland governments and other concerned authorities by November 3, 2026.

The petition raises questions over alleged illegal mining in the Dikhow riverbed, activities in Nagaland’s catchment areas and water releases from upstream dams. Saikia has alleged that earlier court directions to curb illegal mining were not effectively implemented.

The PIL refers to earlier cases filed by Saikia in 2018 and 2019 concerning alleged unscientific sand and stone mining along the Dikhow river and the Assam-Nagaland border. It also cites a 2022 Water Resources Department report warning of possible serious consequences from continued excavation.

The petitioner has sought a scientific assessment of the factors behind the 2026 floods, a permanent halt to illegal riverbed mining, stronger inter-state coordination on dam releases and compensation for affected families.

The court also sought details of preventive measures taken by the authorities, including embankment-related works. The proceedings will examine the administrative, environmental and inter-state factors that may have contributed to the severe flooding in Upper Assam.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash