National Green Tribunal Constitutes Fact Finding Committee In Yamuna Illegal Mining Case, Seeks Action Taken Report

The principal bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a fact-finding committee to collect factual information and submit an action taken report on alleged illegal mining on the Yamuna river bank in Sonipat district, Haryana.

The bench of Justice Sudhir Agarwal, Dr.A. Senthil Vel said, “In our view, the allegations made in the complaint give rise to a substantial question relating to the environment due to implementation of Scheduled Enactment under NGT Act, 2010 has arisen.”

“However, before taking any further action in the matter we find it appropriate to obtain a factual report for the purpose whereof we constitute a Joint Committee comprising State PCB, District Magistrate, Sonipat and Director, Mines and Minerals who shall visit the site, collect relevant information and submit a factual as well as action taken, if any, report within two months…,”the bench added.

The Tribunal was hearing an application filed by a resident of Sonipat District alleging that the company M/s Yodha Mines and Minerals is engaged in illegal mining on the Yamuna river bank at Village Jainpur, District Sonipat, by using heavy machinery and transporting illegally mined minerals by trucks and tractors.

Vehicles transporting minerals are heavily overloaded, causing damage to the road. Additionally, by means of illegal mining, the proponent is causing significant damage to the environment, he stated.

Considering the allegations the tribunal passed the above directions and listed the matter to August 3.

Case Title: Ravinder Kumar v.State of Haryana

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