Illegal mining of sand restrained by Green tribunal
NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), curbed sand mining from river beds across the country without procuring prior environmental clearance or licence. This action was taken based on a plea that alleged that such mining activities were taking place in Uttar Pradesh with the “willful connivance” of its State machinery.
Since substantial issues pertaining to the environment has been raised by the petition, a Bench headed by NGT Chairperson has made the order applicable across the nation with the motive of widening the ambit of the plea.
Initially, the Bench restrained illegal mining of sand from the riverbeds and banks of rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Hindon, Gomti, Chambal, amongst others. However, the order was later modified as the issue of illegally removing sand now possesses nationwide implications.
The NGT also directed concerned state mining officers as well as police officers, to ensure the compliance of its orders, on the plea filed by the NGT Bar Association. Notices were also issued to all the respondents by the NGT, which seeked their respective responses latest by the 14th of August.
The petition alleged that all those who have opposed such illicit sand mining, including field level officers, such as the suspended SDM Durga Sakhti Nagpal, have been victimized. The petition also alleged that a man who had recently raised his voice against the “sand mafia” had been killed in broad daylight by goons.
Senior advocate appearing for the association, contended that “rampant” illegal mining along with transport of sand are being carried on every year and causing a loss of crores of rupees to the state exchequer.
State authorities of Uttar Pradesh have either failed or have intentionally avoided taking appropriate legal action against the project proponents (those carrying out mining) and thus having abetted and willfully connived in allowing such illegal mining of sand to occur in complete violation of applicable laws regarding the environment.
