Illegal Mining In Prayagraj: National Green Tribunal Directs UP PCB To Identify Violators, File Action Taken Report

The principal bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed UP PCB to identify violators of environmental norms and file action taken reports against proponents carrying illegal mining activities in Prayagraj District.

After considering the report indicating several violations with respect to mining and sand washing plants, the bench of Justice Sheo Kumar Singh (Chairperson), Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, Dr. A. Senthil Vel said, “State PCB is directed to further file report on the observations, identify all violators and actions taken for past violations and restoration of the area.”

The Tribunal was hearing a plea which raised grievances against illegal mining activities of Silica sand and washing plants of Silica sand in Shankargarh Block and nearby area like Pervaizabad, Lalapur, Bankipur, Janwa, Dhara etc., of Prayagraj District, U.P.

According to the applicant, indiscriminate and excessive extraction of ground water for washing silica sand as well as illegal and unscientific mining are adversely affecting the environment and public health.

There are about 500 illegal mining activities by mining mafias and about 100 plus industries engaged in washing of silica sand, without requisite permissions, the applicant stated.

Taking note of the allegations the Tribunal in 2021 had constituted a joint committee including State PCB, CPCB, SEIAA, UP and District Magistrate Prayagraj to verify the facts and take remedial action.

The Tribunal noted that the report has indicated several violations with respect to mining and sand washing plants and some of the violations/deficiencies are as under:

• Most of the lease holders are undertaking mining operations out of their granted lease area.
• Excessive production of minerals has been observed in comparison to their annual capacity against Environmental Clearance.
• All lease holders are not complying with EC, mining plan and consent to operate.
• Sand washing plants do not have well specified/prescribed conditions in CTO and no Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) and mode of disposal prescribed.

“However, the report has not elaborated on restoration of mined areas, overall compliance with CTO conditions, extent of damages observed and other aspects,” it noted further.

In the light of the above the directions to identify all violators and actions taken for past violations and restoration of the area have been passed to UP PCB.

The matter is listed on August 10, for further consideration.

Case Title: Devidas Khatri v. Union of India & Ors.

Appearance: Advocate Anoop Agarwal for applicant.

Advocate Raj Kumar for CPCB.

Advocates Pradeep Misra & Mr. Daleep Dhyani for UPPCB. Advocate Mukesh Verma, for Mining Department.

Advocate Sidhinath Singh Sengar for M/s Modi Minerals Udyog.

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