Home / Environment / Illegal Mining Sparks NGT Probe in Odisha
Illegal Mining Sparks NGT Probe in Odisha
16 Mar
Summary
- NGT issued notices to Odisha authorities over illegal stone extraction.
- Petition alleges illegal quarrying began without mandatory clearances.
- Authorities must respond within four weeks; hearing set for April 16.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated a probe into alleged illegal laterite stone extraction and tree felling in Ramachandrapur, Khurda district, Odisha. Notices have been issued to key state government bodies, including the Chief Secretary and the Director of Mines and Geology. This action follows a petition filed by local residents who claim that illegal quarrying activities began at Ramachandrapur Laterite Stone Quarry-2 in January 2026 without obtaining necessary environmental clearances. The NGT's East Zone Bench noted that the allegations raise substantial environmental concerns, prompting the tribunal's intervention. The respondents are required to submit their responses within four weeks from March 11, 2026, with the next hearing scheduled for April 16, 2026. Petitioners seek an environmental damage assessment, recovery of illegally extracted stone value, and accountability for officials involved in alleged inaction. They also requested restoration of the affected land and afforestation efforts.
