NGT talks tough, seeks complete report on mining from UP govt

The National Green Tribunal was on Wednesday anguished over Uttar Pradesh government’s non-compliance of its order seeking details of illegal sand mining going on in Jallon and Hamirpur districts of the state and directed it to file a complete report by January 13.

A bench headed by NGT judicial member Justice U D Salvi passed the order after it observed that the state government’s report contained “nothing” in relation to the details sought by the tribunal in its November 13 order.

Violation of order

“What is stated in the report you have given? Nothing. This is not a report which has been submitted in compliance of order of this tribunal,” the bench said.

The report was submitted after the tribunal told the counsel for Uttar Pradesh that as per its November 13 order, the state was to give details of number of cases of illegal mining that have been lodged in the two districts.

“Where is that report? Today more than a month has elapsed,” the bench said. 

“Non-submission of report is a violation of the tribunal’s order,” the bench added. 

The tribunal, however, gave the state time till January 13, 2014, to file a complete report containing all details, including names of those carrying out sand mining in an authorised manner as well as of those miners who are removing sand as per orders of the Allahabad High Court without environment clearance and no objection certificates.

Additional information

It sought the additional information regarding miners operating with permission of the high court after counsel for UP contended that some persons indulging in sand mining in the two districts have obtained such orders.

The contention was put forth after the petitioner moved a fresh application showing news articles and pictures of “lines of trucks” transporting sand from the mining sites in the two districts.

NGT issued notices to the private persons mentioned in the fresh application as well as others who are allegedly involved in illegal sand mining and directed UP government to ensure the notices are served upon them.