Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding illegal sand mining in Etawah, Jalaun and Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh, 17/06/2020
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Ajay Pandey & Others Vs Union of India & Others dated 17/06/2020 regarding remedial action against illegal sand mining on the river bed between Etawah and Jalaun District including Auraiya District, Uttar Pradesh.
A report was filed by the Uttar Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) on November 2, 2019 which informed the Tribunal that no mining activity was found in Muradganj, Bijalpur, Ayana and Shergarh Ghat. But this stand was disputed by the applicant - Ajay Pandey in an affidavit filed on March 3, 2020 and said that illegal sand mining was still taking place. Photographs of unnumbered truck carrying sand and news article published in Amar Ujala dated February 27, 2020 was shown to suppor the claim. The news article said that action was taken against ten constables for illegal mining.
The NGT directed the Oversight Committee headed by S.V. S. Rathore, former Judge of the Allahabad High Court to ascertain the facts from concerned District Magistrates or any other administrative channel and furnish a report in the matter.