NGT Seeks Personal Affidavit from Alwar DFO in Illegal Mining Case on Forest Land
The Central Zone Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Bhopal has taken a stern stance in a case involving alleged illegal mining activities on forest land. During a recent hearing, the bench directed the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Alwar to file a personal affidavit, raising serious concerns over the conduct of forest officers involved in the matter.
Background of the Case
The tribunal was hearing an application filed by Gajendra Singh Naruka against the Union of India and other respondents. The case revolves around accusations of illegal mining operations within forest areas, which were brought to light following a detailed site inspection conducted by a joint committee. The committee's report formed the basis of the allegations examined by the NGT.
Concerns Over Forest Officers' Conduct
During the proceedings, objections were raised regarding potential negligence and possible connivance by local forest officers. The tribunal noted submissions that highlighted a troubling inconsistency: the forest department had previously issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) permitting mining activities in certain areas. However, these same areas were later claimed to fall within forest boundaries, raising questions about the accuracy and integrity of the department's actions.
The bench, comprising Justice Sheo Kumar Singh (Judicial Member) and Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi (Expert Member), observed, "Such contradictory positions raised serious questions about the credibility of departmental actions and the manner in which forest land was being identified and protected." This statement underscores the tribunal's deep-seated concerns over the handling of forest land and the potential for mismanagement or corruption.
Directives Issued by the Tribunal
In response to these issues, the NGT issued several key directives:
- The DFO of Alwar must submit a personal affidavit to clarify the factual position regarding the alleged illegal mining activities.
- The officer is required to explain the circumstances under which the earlier NOCs were issued without proper verification, shedding light on any lapses in due diligence.
- A copy of the tribunal's directions must be communicated to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and the Head of Forest Force (HoFF) in Rajasthan. This step ensures that higher authorities are aware of the situation and can examine the issue of contradictory reports submitted by the department.
Implications and Next Steps
This case highlights ongoing challenges in environmental governance and forest protection in India. The NGT's intervention underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in managing natural resources. By demanding a personal affidavit, the tribunal aims to hold individual officers responsible and prevent future instances of such discrepancies.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on February 26, where the tribunal will review the affidavit and any additional submissions. This upcoming hearing is crucial for determining the next course of action and ensuring that justice is served in protecting forest land from illegal exploitation.
Overall, the NGT's actions serve as a reminder of the critical role judicial bodies play in safeguarding the environment and upholding the rule of law in cases involving ecological degradation.
