National Green Tribunal Acts on Illegal Mining in Yamuna Floodplain
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken decisive action against illegal mining activities on the Yamuna floodplain. On Monday, the tribunal issued formal notices to the Uttar Pradesh government, the state pollution control board, and the district magistrate of Shamli. These entities have been directed to submit their replies at least one week prior to the next scheduled hearing on July 3.
Formation of Joint Committee for Investigation
The principal bench of the NGT, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Srivastava and including expert members Dr. A. Senthil Vel and Dr. Afroz Ahmad, has mandated the creation of a joint committee. This committee is tasked with conducting a thorough field verification and must file a comprehensive report within a strict timeframe of three weeks.
The joint committee will consist of representatives from several key organizations:
- The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- The regional office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Lucknow
- The district magistrate of Shamli, who will serve as the nodal agency
Scope of the Committee's Investigation
The committee has been assigned a detailed set of responsibilities to address the alleged illegal mining. Its primary objectives include:
- Assessing the full extent of illegal mining operations in the affected areas
- Verifying the status of environmental clearances and statutory consents required for such activities
- Evaluating the environmental damage caused by the mining
- Recommending both remedial measures to mitigate harm and punitive actions against violators
Upon completion of its investigation, the committee is required to submit its findings, after which the NGT will determine further legal steps.
Background of the Case
The NGT's directives emerged during the hearing of an application filed by Amit Kumar. Kumar alleged that M/s Yamuna Mines conducted mining operations in the villages of Nai Nangla and Manglaura without obtaining mandatory environmental clearance or consent to establish or operate from the relevant authorities.
Despite lodging formal complaints with the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, the district magistrate, and local police, Kumar reported that no effective action was taken to halt the activities. He further claimed that mining, involving heavy machinery, continued unabated near a police check post, indicating a lack of enforcement.
In support of his allegations, Kumar presented documents showing that the environmental clearance application for the mining was still pending with the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) in Uttar Pradesh. Since the clearance had not been granted, this evidence strongly suggested that the mining operations were illegal from the outset.
The NGT's intervention highlights ongoing concerns about environmental protection and regulatory compliance in sensitive ecological zones like the Yamuna floodplain. The case underscores the tribunal's role in enforcing environmental laws and holding authorities accountable for lapses in oversight.
