New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Kendrapara Collector, Superintendent of Police and the State Pollution Control Board to conduct an inspection at the Brahmani river and take strict action to prevent illegal sand mining in the area.
A bench of Judicial Member SP Wangadi and Expert Member Dr Nagin Nanda observed that mining operations are continuing without environmental clearance.
“We are satisfied that substantial question of environment arises in this case,” the bench observed.
“We direct the Collector and the SP, Kendrapara District as well as the State Pollution Control Board, Odisha to inspect the area in question and if the facts stated by the applicant are found to be correct, appropriate action be taken forthwith to ensure that such illegal mining does not continue further,” the bench observed.
The green body has also directed the authorities to file a compliance report before the next hearing. The matter has been listed for hearing December 17.
Notably, the green body’s direction came on a petition filed by Manoranjan Pradhan alleging that illegal sand mining is continuing on the river bed of Brahmani river in Kendrapara district.
