Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding illegal coal mines in Alakdiha, district Dhanbad, Jharkhand, 04/07/2023
Order of the National Green Tribunal (Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata) in the matter of Ajay Rajak Vs Ministry of Coal & Others dated 04/07/2023.
The matter is related to illegal coal mines in Alakdiha, district Dhanbad, Jharkhand which belong to Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), Lodna area under Coal India Limited.
The applicant, Ajay Rajak said that in November 2022, about 20-25 people have lost their lives due to illegal mining in the Central Surunga Paharigora. It is also alleged that the said mines fall in the forest area and due to the mining operations, a part of a temple has also sunk into the ground. It is alleged that about 1500-2000 people including women and children are engaged in illegal coal mining in tunnels which can any day result in a major tragedy.
The court said the matter required consideration and directed notice to be issued to the respondents. Further, the court directed a four member committee to visit the site and prepare an inspection report. The matter has been listed for August 7, 2023.