Judgment of the National Green Tribunal regarding illegal mining activities in district Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir, 15/03/2024
Judgment of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Raja Muzaffar Bhat Vs Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir & Others dated 15/03/2024.
The matter related to illegal mining activities being carried out by Danish Yousuf and Rauf Ahmad in district Budgam in violation of the conditions of environmental clearance (EC). An interim environmental compensation of Rs.7,46,400/- shall be paid by Danish Yousuf and Rs.8,33,520/- by Rauf Ahmad by depositing the same within two months with Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JK PCC) and the said amount shall be subject to final computation of environmental compensation by JK PCC as directed above.
The amount of environmental compensation shall be used for remediation/rejuvenation/restoration of environment in the said area on the basis of a rejuvenation plan which shall be prepared jointly by JK PCC and Collector Budgam.
Besides environmental compensation, JKPCC shall also take other prohibitive and punitive action against the miners and remedial action for rejuvenation and restoration of the damage cause to the environment. The mines are directed to stop mining activities pursuant to ECs dated July 6, 2021 forthwith and compliance of this judgment shall be carried out by the statutory regulators i.e., JKPCC and District Magistrate, Budgam, the NGT order said.