NGT directs Centre, states to convene meetings to ensure scientific sand mining

Expressing displeasure over poor enforcement of law to control illegal sand mining, the National Green Tribunal has asked the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to convene a meeting in coordination with the Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Mines and Jal Shakti Ministry and experts at the national level in three months to discuss scientific sand mining.

The Principal Bench of the NGT, headed by its chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said a similar meeting should also be held at the state level to ensure that sand miners must follow 'Sustainable Sand Mining and Management Guidelines, 2016.'

Disposing of a number of petitions on sand mining, the NGT said holding such meetings will provide clarity on enforcement strategies and help protect the environment.

The NGT directed all the states to post an annual report about sand mining status. "Based on such reports, MoEF may consider supplementing its guidelines on sand mining from time to time.

The Green Bench directed the periodic inspection be by a five-member Committee, headed and coordinated by the EIAA (Environment Impact Assessment Committee) comprising CPCB and State PCB and visit the sand mining spot and prepare a report.

In January 2020, the Environment Ministry came out with 'Enforcement & Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining 2020' to regulate sand mining and check illegal mining.

The guidelines suggest the use of technologies like drones with night vision for surveillance of sand mining sites, steps to identify sources of sand, procedures for the replenishment of sand, post environmental clearance monitoring of sand mining sites, a procedure for an environmental audit of such areas and steps to control the instances of illegal mining.