Stop illegal sand mining in capital: NGT to Delhi government

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal today directed the Delhi government to stop illegal mining being carried out without requisite environmental clearance in the Yamuna river bed at Wazirabad and Jagatpur bund area here.

A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swantanter Kumar issued notice to Ministry of Environment and Forests, Delhi government, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and others while posting the matter for next hearing on October 9.

"While issuing notice, we direct all concerned authorities (Delhi govt, DPCC, Commissioner of Police) to ensure that no illegal mining is carried out on Yamuna river bed and no mining is permitted without obtaining environmental clearance and consent of DPCC," the bench said.

The order came over a petition by Rahul Nagar, filed through advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal, seeking a complete ban on illegal sand mining in the capital without obtaining environmental clearance.

"Illegal mining is not only in contravention of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, but also of order and directions of Supreme Court and directions of National Green Tribunal," Nagar said in his plea.

The petitioner claimed that the sand mining mafia has begun to trespass private agricultural fields located near flood plains even though such activity, without any environmental clearance, is banned.

Alleging that "illegal sand mining continues unabated under the nose of the government officials," the plea says the Irrigation and Flood Control Department in capital has also issued various letters to the Delhi Police wherein they have requested the police to take action against sand mafia.

"There is an increased necessity of studying the impact of sand mining, the deterioration caused and remedial measures. Illegal sand mining has already led to devastating consequences in the region. It has changed river hydrology and affected the groundwater," the petition said.