Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding morrum mining in the river bed of Betwa, Hamirpur district, Uttar Pradesh, 24/04/2023
The NGT sought response from a joint committee regarding complaint of violation of environmental norms in the matter of morrum mining in the river bed of Betwa river, tehsil Sarila, district Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh.
The joint committee will comprise the District Magistrate, Hamirpur and Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board. It was alleged that the project proponent does not have requisite EC or consent to establish (CTE) nor consent to operate (CTO).
Mining is being carried out in the river bed against norms. No replenishment study has been carried out. Heavy machinery is being used, stated the application before the NGT.
Morrum is a minor mineral that is derived from the weathering and disintegration of granitic rocks. Another type of morrum called ‘Red Morrum’ are the laterite soils found on the elevated ground comprising old weathering surfaces.