NEW DELHI | September 28, 2015:
Once again, the National Green Tribunal has taken a strict stance on illegal sand mining.
The tribunal has now directed the Union Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) to not grant environmental clearance for sand mining in rivers of north India till September 1 each year and during the rainy season.
A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar gave the order on the basis of a plea filed by environmental activist Virendra Kumar, who alleged mining activity was being carried out by private parties during monsoons, contrary to the terms and conditions of the environmental clearance.
The MoEF told the bench that are restrictions on sand mining during rains.
“The counsel for the Ministry submits that the restrictions for carrying on mining activity are during the raining season, which is normally mid-May to mid-August. In view of this, there is no reason for us to interfere. Consequently, we dispose of this application. But we make it clear that in future, the Ministry whenever granting environmental clearance in north India shall incorporate the condition that no river mining is carried on till September 1,” the bench said.
Mr. Kumar had approached the NGT seeking a stay on mining activity being carried out by private parties during the monsoon in Haryana’s Karnal district.
(Source: http://www.thehindu.com/)