NGT Probes Illegal Mining Allegations in Odisha

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated a probe into allegations of illegal laterite stone mining at Olasingh Laterite Stone Quarry-B in Odisha's Khurda district. The east zone bench constituted a joint committee to investigate claims that mining operations exceeded permitted quantity, depth, and lease area, while disregarding environmental safeguards. This action follows a petition filed by Sarbeswar Bhol, alleging significant violations.

The committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Odisha State Pollution Control Board, and the Khurda district administration. It has been directed to associate the petitioner and the project lessee during the verification process. The tribunal expects the committee's report within one month, with the Khurda district magistrate serving as the nodal agency for coordination.

Notices have been issued to the state forest department, Khurda collector, director of geology, deputy director of mines, and others, requiring their responses within a month. The petitioner seeks restoration of the excavated area, environmental compensation, and a satellite-based audit to quantify extraction. Allegations also include transportation through village roads and failure to maintain safety zones and closure plans.