Home / Environment / NGT Probe into Illegal Mining After Ranger's Tragic Death
NGT Probe into Illegal Mining After Ranger's Tragic Death
4 Nov
Summary
- NGT formed a committee to probe illegal soil excavation after a ranger's death.
- A forest ranger was killed by a dumper while stopping illegal mining operations.
- The NGT seeks action against illegal mining and compensation for environmental damage.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated a four-member joint committee investigation into alleged illegal soil excavation in Sukad village, Pratapgarh district. This action follows the death of forest ranger Pratap Singh Chundawat, who was killed by a dumper while attempting to stop illegal mining activities.
The committee, comprising representatives from the Union environment ministry, Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, district administration, and forest department, will visit the site to verify the extent of unauthorized excavation. They are tasked with submitting a factual and action-taken report within six weeks, with the State Pollution Control Board coordinating the efforts.
The NGT's Central Zone Bench took suo motu cognizance, noting substantial environmental concerns and potential regulatory failures. The incident occurred when the ranger and his team intercepted a dumper carrying illegally excavated soil. The ranger was allegedly rammed by another vehicle while escorting the seized dumper, sustaining fatal injuries.
The tribunal highlighted that such extraction violates environmental laws and flagged the alleged failure of mining and pollution control authorities. It emphasized the need for assessing environmental damage and recovering compensation, adhering to the 'polluter pays' principle. Furthermore, the NGT has directed the forest and mining departments to report on actions taken regarding the ranger's service conditions and benefits within four weeks, acknowledging the risks faced by officials enforcing environmental laws.
