Illegal mining, deforestation cause Himachal Pradesh calamities; NGT

NGT cognizance of environmental degradation caused by illegal mining and deforestation in Himachal Pradesh,

By Ground report 05 Mar 2024

New Update

Illegal mining, deforestation cause Himachal Pradesh calamities; NGT

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken cognizance of the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining and deforestation in Himachal Pradesh, which has led to several natural disasters in the Himalayan state.

The NGT was hearing an application filed by a resident, based on a news report published in The Hindu on November 25, 2023, highlighting the impact of unscientific and unlawful activities on the ecology and biodiversity of the state.

The application alleged that the state authorities have failed to curb the rampant mining and deforestation, which have resulted in frequent incidents of cloud bursts, flash floods, landslides, and soil erosion, endangering the lives and livelihoods of the people and the wildlife.

The NGT, through its order dated December 20, 2023, had taken note of the submission of the advocate general of the state, who admitted that units indulging in illegal mining have been identified and their operations have been suspended.

The NGT, therefore, raised the issue of imposing environmental clearance (EC) against the identified violators, by applying the polluter-pays principle and recovering the costs of restoration and compensation from them. The NGT also directed the state authorities to take effective steps for preventing illegal deforestation and mining, and ensuring compliance with the environmental laws and norms.

The NGT had issued notices to the concerned respondents, including the Department of town and Country Planning, the state Pollution Control Board, the Forest Department, and the district administrations, and asked them to file their replies.

Replies have been filed on behalf of the Department of town and Country Planning, the state of Himachal Pradesh, and the State Pollution Control Board. The counsel for the state sought two weeks to go through all the replies and produce a consolidated report before the tribunal.

The state pollution control board also sought time to disclose the details of the violators against whom EC has been imposed, as mentioned in paragraph 5 of its reply.

The NGT, taking into consideration the submissions, adjourned the matter for May 9, 2024.

The NGT observed that one of the issues under consideration in this original application is deforestation, ill-planned construction activities, and illegal mining along the river beds, which are a few reasons responsible for natural calamity in Himachal Pradesh.

The NGT expressed its concern over the environmental damage and the loss of life and property caused by natural disasters and emphasized the need for urgent and effective action to protect the environment and the people of the state.