Haridwar | Feb 08, 2015: The national green tribunal (NGT) has turned down a plea for a complete ban on mining in the Ganga, saying sand collected at the riverbed has to be removed according to "established practice" but this should be done "scientifically and to a limited extent" in order not to damage the river. The plea was filed by Matri Sadan ashram in 2014.

Observing that while it is not possible to ban mining in the river, the NGT, in a recent order, said, "What is to be prohibited is unregulated, illegal and unsustainable mining activity on the river banks." It further said that removing the collected sand from the riverbed is an established and time-tested practice. However, it should be removed scientifically and to a limited extent so that no harm is done to the river's ecology and biodiversity.

According to the NGT order, sand can be taken out from the river, that too only from the riverbed, and not from the riverbank or any other mining site near or in the river.

Earlier, members of Matri Sadan had threatened to go on a fast if mining activities in the district were not stopped. However, after the order, Brahmachari Dayanand, a member of Matri Sadan, sent a letter to the district magistrate on February 7 requesting him to ensure compliance with the order.

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)