NGT issues deadline for response on Goa's illegal sand mining

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken notice of a news report highlighting illegal sand mining activities in Goa, directing concerned authorities to respond. The Goa State Pollution Control Board, Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and local authorities have been instructed to submit their replies by July 5, 2024. Additionally, the NGT has transferred the matter to the Western Zonal Bench in Pune.

The news item, published in O Heraldo on February 13, 2024, shed light on widespread illegal sand mining along riverbeds in Goa, severely impacting the marine ecosystem. The report revealed illegal mining activities not only along riverbanks but also in interior forest areas like Mhadei. Areas such as Ponda, Pernem, Chandor, and Rachol were also mentioned as hotspots for such activities.

The economic impact of this illegal mining is significant, with the state reportedly missing out on revenue from the sand extracted from its rivers over the past two years. The news report suggests that the illegally mined sand may be finding its way into official projects like the Atal Setu and Zuari Bridge, as well as various real estate developments.

The NGT’s suo motu cognisance is based on the alarming title of the news item, “sand mafia is taking complete control of illegal river sand mining.” The tribunal’s power to initiate such action has been affirmed by the Supreme Court in a previous ruling. As a result, the NGT has impleaded the aforementioned authorities as respondents in the matter, with the first three already represented by counsel.

The principal bench of the NGT has further directed that the matter be transferred to the Western Zonal Bench in Pune for further proceedings. The original records of the case are to be moved accordingly, ensuring that the issue is addressed by the appropriate jurisdiction.

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