Date | Dec 07, 2017:

With deadline issued by National Green Tribunal (NGT) to recover a penalty from illegal sand crushers coming to an end on Thursday, the local administration at Kotputli tehsil along the Jaipur-Delhi National Highway has swung into action to attach the properties of the people involved. The 134 offenders had to deposit a penalty of Rs 10 lakh each, as the penalty to replenish the green cover they have damaged. Or else their property would be attached and auctioned.

This action is in compliance with the NGT order is case number 116/2013 against illegal sand crushers. It had been filed by activist Nityendra Manav of Jeevan Bachao Aandolan against Rajasthan government. The NGT had on November 6, 2017, sought compliance with its order and decided December 7, 2017, as the date for ensuring compliance.

Speaking to DNA, Jaipur collector Sidharth Mahajan said, “Attachment of moveable and immovable property of these offenders is being done under the Public Demand Recovery (PDR) Act. We are also making lien entry in revenue records so that the land cannot be sold or mortgaged.” “We are also writing to banks to not provide loans against these lands,” confirmed Mahajan to DNA.

Further, seven illegal stone mines have been shut down in Kalyanpura village of Kotputli tehsil and a penalty of 212 crores slapped on them. Also, the police force has been deployed in the Buchara village to check illegal mining and crushers. This action is being taken to comply orders of NGT in case number 45/2017 also by Manav. These villages had been identified as having the largest number of illegal stone mines and crushers.

NGT has sought a list of those engaged in legal mining and stone quarry with their environment clearance (EC). As per NGT, now all engaged in mining would have to make roads from the mines to the closest government roads and plant trees on both sides.

Speaking to DNA, petitioner Nityendra Manav said, “The entire area of Kotputli has been ransacked by illegal mining. The NGT has taken a very welcome step. Especially, replenishing the green cover at the cost of the offenders and also asking them to make roads.” “The damage is irreparable, we hope it can be contained,” Manav told DNA.

The shutdown This action is in compliance with the NGT order is case number 116/2013 against illegal sand crushers.7 illegal stone mines have been shut down in Kalyanpura village of Kotputli tehsil

(Source: www.dnaindia.com/)