NGT orders probe into Damodar river pollution by illegal mining

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has mandated the creation of a joint committee to look into claims that mining operations by Central Coalfields Ltd. in Pichri Dakshin village, Peterwar block, Bokaro, Jharkhand, have severely contaminated the Damodar River.

The NGT's directive responded to a letter petition by Ashish Pal and others, highlighting the environmental impact of illegal mining. The petition noted that large-scale coal excavation near the Damodar River caused widespread damage, including deforestation and river pollution.

The joint committee, directed by the NGT, will comprise representatives from the Integrated Regional Office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in Ranchi, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB), and the District Magistrate of Bokaro. The CPCB is the nodal agency responsible for coordinating the investigation and ensuring compliance with the order.

The committee's mandate includes conducting a site visit, collecting data, and submitting a comprehensive report within one month. The investigation will assess whether Central Coalfields Ltd. has adhered to the conditions of the Environmental Clearance (EC) and consents for its mining operations.

According to the petitioners, illegal mining in the area has led to the felling of thousands of trees, including sakhua, mango, babul, piper, kadam, arjun, kend, and mahua.

Mining waste, including stone, muck, and overburden, has been dumped into the Damodar River, altering its flow and causing environmental degradation. The river, a critical lifeline for nearby villages, provides water for agriculture and drinking.

However, pollution from mining has reportedly affected the river's ecosystem, posing health hazards to local residents.

The NGT emphasized the importance of the joint committee looking into Central Coalfields Ltd.'s adherence to environmental laws and reporting on the harm that the mining operations had caused. The next hearing is scheduled for October 23, 2024.

The NGT's intervention comes amid concerns about the environmental impact of mining in Jharkhand, a resource-rich state facing ecological challenges from industrial activities.

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