Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding illegal sand mining in river Mahanadi, Cuttack district, Odisha, 16/04/2021
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Srikanta Kumar Pakal & Others Vs State of Odisha & Others dated 16/04/2021. The matter related to illegal sand mining in Mahanadi river, Nuapatana Mouza, Tangi-Choudwar tehsil, district Cuttack. The allegation of the applicant is that remote sensing satellite pictures show extensive degradation of river bed and extraction of sand illegally through the mechanical means which is not permissible in law.
The Tribunal, April 16, 2021 stated that the matter required consideration and directed notice to be issued to the respondents. Further, directions were given for an inspection to be carried out by a Joint Committee. The Committee has been asked to submit its report to specify among other things whether excess sand has been excavated beyond the license granted and whether heavy machines have been used for excavation of sand which is contrary to the rules.
The Committee shall also enumerate any violation of the Environmental Clearance certificate or Consent to Operate.