Rajasthsn | Feb 02, 2015: A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swantanter Kumar also issued notice to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Rajasthan government, Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board and others while seeking their response by March 2.

"No person would be permitted to carry out the mining activity who does not have the requisite environmental clearance, consent from the Pollution Control Board and permission from the mining authorities," it said.

The Tribunal's direction came on a plea by Alwar resident Khayali Ram seeking direction that all mines functioning "illegally" should be stopped.

"Direct that all mines, as per the survey report of the Department of Mines and Geology, Rajasthan, which are currently non-functional, should be scientifically closed to protect the environment," the plea said.

Khayali has alleged that illegal stone and marble mining is being carried out in Rajgarh tehsil in Rajasthan's Alwar district in violation of the provisions of the EIA Notification, 2006.

"These illegal mines located close to Sariska National Park and Tiger Reserve and also in the area which forms part of Aravalli hills, are operating without environmental clearance required under the EIA Notification, 2006..."

The mines in Rajgarh Tehsil are carrying out their operations, including blasting, without appropriate statutory clearances required to operate such mines and are destroying the Aravalli hills, the plea said.

(Source: http://post.jagran.com/)