NGT forms panel to examine illegal sand mining in Yamuna River

The national green tribunal has formed a committee to examine the allegations of illegal sand mining in Yamuna River. The decision was taken by an NGT bench headed by NGT Chairperson, Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel. The committee will be required to submit a report to the green panel within a month.  

The NGT formed the committee to examine the issue after Delhi Jal Board CEO Anil Kumar Singh moved the green panel alleging illegal sand mining in the Yamuna. The NGT bench directed Delhi’s District Magistrate, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to look into the issue and take appropriate action in accordance with the law and submit a full report to the tribunal within a month of the order’s issuance.

Delhi’s Pollution Control Committee will be the nodal agency for coordination and compliance of the task. The copy of the NGT order will be sent to DPCC, CPCB and District Magistrate by e-mail for compliance. The matter was listed for further hearing by the NGT bench on December 5.

NGT Order: Background

The NGT order is a binding decree as non-compliance can lead to punitive action including prosecution under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.

The green panel was hearing a petition filed by Delhi Jal Board CEO Anil Kumar Singh, who alleged that a blockade is being built in the main river course 17 km downstream of Tajewala barrage, which is downstream of the confluence of two rivers- Somb and Yamuna.

The Jal Board CEO alleged that the blockage will obstruct the flow of the two rivers and it is being done to undertake illegal sand mining.