NGT Orders Probe into Ghaziabad Sand Mining Violations

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated a review of the environmental clearance for sand mining activities near Loni, Ghaziabad, along the Yamuna riverbed. This directive comes after numerous claims of the mining company, New Panther Security Guard Services, violating established norms. These alleged violations include mining beyond the designated leased areas and the use of mechanized and semi-mechanized machinery, which are reportedly prohibited in riverbed mining.

The NGT's intervention was prompted by a complaint filed in 2023 by a local resident, Bittu, who provided video and photographic evidence of the alleged infractions. The tribunal has mandated the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the Ghaziabad District Magistrate to investigate these serious allegations. They are required to gather information and make a decision on the cancellation of the environmental clearance after providing an opportunity for both the complainant and the company to be heard.

This action also follows the NGT's suo motu cognizance of a news report published on November 30, 2024, highlighting illegal sand mining activities. A joint committee formed by the NGT in November 2025 had previously conducted an investigation and submitted a report on December 19, detailing incriminating observations about illegal sand mining in the Navraspur area of Loni. Officials have indicated that fines totaling Rs 50,000 and Rs 5 lakh have been previously imposed, though the company had appealed these actions.