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NGT Orders Probe into Illegal Yamuna Mining, Directs Immediate Halt

The National Green Tribunal has ordered an urgent inquiry into allegations of illegal sand mining in the Yamuna riverbed in Shamli district, Uttar Pradesh. The order came on a plea alleging large-scale mining without mandatory environmental clearances and permissions. A joint committee has been formed to visit the site, assess the damage, and suggest remedial measures within three weeks. The tribunal has directed authorities to ensure all illegal mining activities halt immediately while the investigation proceeds.

Key Points: NGT Orders Probe into Illegal Yamuna Sand Mining

  • NGT orders urgent probe
  • Illegal mining in Yamuna riverbed
  • Committee to assess damage
  • Activities must halt immediately
2 min read

NGT orders probe into illegal Yamuna mining, directs immediate halt

NGT orders urgent inquiry into illegal sand mining in Yamuna riverbed, forms joint committee and directs immediate halt to activities.

"no illegal mining is carried out by the concerned project proponent - National Green Tribunal"

New Delhi, March 24

The National Green Tribunal has ordered an urgent inquiry into allegations of illegal sand mining in the Yamuna riverbed in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district, while directing authorities to ensure that no such activity continues in the meantime.

The order came on a plea filed by Dr Amit Kumar, who alleged that large-scale mining is being carried out in villages Nai Nangla and Manglaura without obtaining mandatory environmental clearance and other permissions. He submitted that the project proponent has not received Environmental Clearance (EC) or consent to establish and operate (CTE/CTO), and yet mining activities have already commenced.

The applicant further claimed that heavy machinery, including Poclain machines, is being used for mining in the riverbed. He also alleged that complaints were made to the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, district authorities, and police, but no effective action was taken. According to him, the proximity of a police check post to the site indicates that the alleged illegal activity was within the knowledge of authorities.

Taking note of the seriousness of the allegations, the tribunal constituted a joint committee comprising representatives of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) regional office in Lucknow, and the District Magistrate of Shamli, who will act as the nodal authority.

The committee has been directed to visit the site without delay, assess the extent of illegal mining, verify the status of environmental permissions, evaluate environmental damage, and suggest remedial as well as punitive measures.

The NGT has directed that the entire exercise be completed within three weeks and a status report be filed immediately thereafter. Meanwhile, it has specifically ordered the authorities to ensure that no illegal mining is carried out by the concerned project proponent.

The tribunal has also issued notice to the respondents, some of whom have already accepted notice and sought time to file their replies. The matter is now scheduled to be heard next on July 3.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is so frustrating to read. A police check post nearby and still no action? It clearly shows collusion. Our rivers are not personal property to be plundered. Kudos to Dr. Amit Kumar for filing the plea. We need more vigilant citizens. 🙏
A
Aman W
While I fully support stopping illegal mining, I hope the NGT and the committee also consider the local economy. Many laborers depend on such work. The solution isn't just to stop it, but to regulate it properly and provide alternative livelihoods during the transition.
S
Sarah B
The joint committee with CPCB and MoEF&CC is a good step. But will the report in three weeks lead to actual consequences? We've seen so many reports gather dust. The system needs to show it has teeth this time.
V
Vikram M
Poclain machines in the riverbed! That's devastating for the ecosystem. This isn't just sand mining, it's killing the river. The damage is often irreversible. The authorities who ignored complaints must be held accountable too, not just the miners.
K
Karthik V
Good move by NGT, but this is a pan-India problem. From the Ganga to the Yamuna, illegal sand mafias operate with political protection. Until there's a national will to break this nexus, these orders will remain temporary fixes. The July 3 hearing is key.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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