The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has stepped in to address a severe case of environmental degradation in Punjab, where rampant illegal mining has led to the complete disappearance of natural hill formations in the Beet area of the Garhshankar division.
Unchecked Extraction and Environmental Fallout
The Principal Bench of the NGT recently took up a suo motu case based on a report that highlighted unchecked extraction activities in the region. The report detailed how these unauthorized operations have not only scarred the landscape but have also caused significant environmental damage.
During the proceedings, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) provided a crucial update. It informed the tribunal that, following an NGT order dated March 11, 2024, it had carried out assessments for environmental compensation and imposed penalties on the violators. The board reported that a partial recovery of Rs 56,29,688 has already been made.
NGT's Directive and Persistent Challenge
The NGT has directed its registry to formally place the PPCB's report on record for further consideration. To monitor the progress of enforcement and remediation, the tribunal has scheduled the next hearing in this matter for February 4, 2026.
This case underscores a persistent environmental challenge in the state. The NGT has repeatedly criticized the efforts of the Punjab government as inadequate. In a similar earlier instance in the Ropar district, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and its contractors were ordered to pay fines and compensation for excessive mining conducted without the necessary approvals under pollution control laws.
A Pattern of Accountability
This pattern of rulings illustrates the NGT's firm approach to holding both government bodies and private entities accountable for ecological harm. The situation in the Beet area remains a stark reminder of the serious consequences of unregulated resource extraction, particularly in ecologically vulnerable zones.
