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NGT Warns UP Officials on Illegal Sand Mining
31 Jan
Summary
- Tribunal threatens prosecution for continued illegal sand mining.
- Officials cited for non-compliance with previous tribunal orders.
- Mandatory inspections and surprise visits ordered for mining sites.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a stern warning to senior officials in Uttar Pradesh, indicating that prosecution could follow if illegal sand mining along the Ganga River persists without adequate measures. This action stems from allegations of air and water pollution linked to illicit mining activities in the Kanpur region and surrounding areas.
An NGT bench highlighted that directives previously issued in connected cases had not been adhered to by the Director of Geology and Mining and the Member Secretary of the UP Pollution Control Board. While choosing not to pursue prosecution for past non-compliance, the tribunal explicitly warned these officials against future failures.
To ensure compliance, the NGT mandated that expert committees conduct inspections at each mining lease location at least three times. The outcomes of these inspections must be publicized on the SEIAA website. Additionally, District Magistrates and law enforcement officials are directed to conduct surprise checks to prevent illegal mining and mineral transportation.
