In a significant development, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on Haryana for its failure to submit a report on illegal mining in Rithoj village, Gurugram district, despite previous directives. The NGT bench, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s inaction, highlighting the adverse impacts of unscientific illegal mining on the water table, green cover, and water bodies.
The tribunal had earlier formed a panel, which, in its report, acknowledged the detrimental effects of illegal mining. Justices Sudhir Agarwal, Arun Kumar Tyagi, and Expert Member A Senthil Vel observed that despite this acknowledgment, the authorities took no corrective action. The tribunal had warned the panel of stern action for submitting a “casual report” in its order dated January 5.
Following subsequent reports and a lack of intervention, the tribunal emphasized the administration’s paralysis on the matter, branding it a breach of the “public trust doctrine.” The NGT had directed the Haryana chief secretary to personally address the issue and submit an action taken report within a month, but the administration failed to comply.
The matter, listed on August 22, revealed insufficient efforts to control illegal mining, prompting the tribunal to seek a detailed report from state authorities within three months. Expressing disappointment, the NGT noted that even after the deadline, no report had been filed.
In response to the state’s environmental department seeking an adjournment, the tribunal stated, “The state authorities are not taking the orders of the tribunal seriously and are not complying with the same.” The NGT granted a further three weeks for the state to submit the report, contingent upon depositing the imposed cost of Rs 10,000 within one week. The case is scheduled for further proceedings on February 9.
By PTI
