NGT declares Lalachera sand mining environmental clearance illegal

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) ruled the environmental clearance for sand mining at Lalachera, Assam illegal due to the absence of a district survey report. This decision follows the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Assam, granting the clearance on June 17, 2023.

The NGT ordered the Assam SEIAA to submit a new affidavit detailing the actions taken regarding the mining operation, to be filed within four weeks.

A July 11, 2024, Assam Pollution Control Board report indicated the Lalachera sand mining site is 826 meters downstream from a concrete bridge connecting Chuta Nunai village. The bridge's central pillar began to collapse around 2020, predating the mining activities.

Reports suggest the project proponent, Purnam Deb, has stockpiled mined sand at three locations near the lease area for transportation.

During the hearing, the NGT questioned how mining permission was granted without a completed district survey report and what actions the Hailakandi District Commissioner had taken. The Assam Pollution Control Board revealed that the SEIAA had issued environmental clearance to contractor Purnam Deb despite the lack of a district survey report.

In response to the NGT's concerns, the Assam SEIAA stated that mining has been halted following the court's order. However, Justice B Amit Sthalekar emphasized that stopping the operation is insufficient, asserting that the environmental clearance is null and void without a valid district survey report.

The court reiterated the need for proper protocols to safeguard the environment and directed the District Commissioner to file a fresh affidavit detailing the actions taken. The NGT's ruling underscores the importance of adhering to environmental regulations in mining operations to prevent ecological harm.

The next hearing is on December 11, 2024, for further case updates.

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