NGT orders investigation into illegal mining near Bahuda river

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a four-member committee to investigate the case of illegal sand mining from the Siripur sand mine near the Bahuda river. The committee, formed on 17 October 2023, will visit the site, assess the situation, and submit a report. The case pertains to the Ganjam district of Odisha.

The NGT's decision comes in response to the concerns raised by Kabiraj Mahapatra, who had brought to light the illegal sand mining activities taking place in Siripur. These activities were reportedly occurring without proper clearance from the Odisha State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), a violation that has prompted a wave of protests from local residents.

Despite protests from local villagers of Siripur, Pathargudi, and Brukhayalata, sand is being extracted from the Siripur sand mine near the Bahuda river by unidentified individuals. The applicant has also cited newspaper articles reporting on illegal sand mining in the same area. It has been alleged that heavy machinery is being used in the operation of the sand mine.

The NGT has taken cognizance of the matter and issued notices to the Odisha State Pollution Control Board and Central Pollution Control Board among others. The court has also directed authorities to identify all sand miners in that particular area and submit a report.

Committee to investigate mining violations

People expect the four-member committee to visit the site and submit its report regarding the allegations made in the Original Application. If the committee finds any violations, it will recommend penalties and environmental compensation, and suggest remedial measures if necessary.

The four-member committee consists of:

1. Senior Scientist from the West Bengal Pollution Control Board.
2. Senior Scientist from the Central Pollution Control Board.
3. Senior Scientist from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Odisha.
4. Collector and District Magistrate, Ganjam, or a representative officer not below the rank of Additional District Magistrate (A.D.M.).

This proactive response by the NGT underscores the critical need to protect natural resources and ecosystems in the face of illegal activities that harm the environment. The outcome of this investigation will not only determine the fate of the Siripur area but also set an essential precedent for safeguarding against illegal sand mining in other regions.

The protection of environmental assets is a shared responsibility, and the NGT's actions demonstrate the importance of regulatory bodies taking swift and decisive measures to address environmental violations.

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