CPCB asks states to give details of mining infra in river systems

Amid concerns over the impact of mining and related activities on riverine ecosystems, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has sought details from states and Union Territories on the policy framework governing infrastructure built for such operations.

The CPCB’s request follows a directive from the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) principal bench, which was hearing a case involving a temporary bridge constructed across a river in Haryana to transport minerals.

While the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change warned that such structures could harm the ecosystem, state authorities dismissed the concerns as "speculative".

Observing a potential gap in regulatory mechanisms, the NGT directed the CPCB to assess the legal provisions across states and Union Territories and provide an analytical report on the findings.

The bench also noted that mining within sanctioned lease areas must comply with environmental clearance (EC) and approved mining plans.

"Mining across river streams/channels and the construction of temporary bridges will only be permissible if explicitly outlined in the environmental impact assessment report, included in the mining plan, and sanctioned in the EC," it stated.