The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took Suo Motu cognizance of the matter relating to ongoing illegal mining of stones in Saranda Forest in Jharkhand.
The Petition is registered suo-motu on the basis of the news item dated 31.05.2024.
As per the article, illegal mining of stones is occurring in the Saranda forest, specifically in the area between Usruiya and Ponga villages, to supply materials for constructing a bridge and guard wall on the Dulai River. The Koyna forest range team, under the Saranda forest division, conducted a raid and seized a tractor loaded with illegally mined stones. Additionally, a large stockpile of illegal stones was also discovered in the forest.
As per the news item, a contractor from Palamu/Ranchi, is accused of illegally sourcing stones from the forest, which has raised concerns among villagers. Previously, the contractor had also been accused of using illegally mined stones for constructing a guard wall on the Hatnaburu-Ponga road. Villagers’ complaints had gone unaddressed, allegedly due to the contractor’s influence over the forest department. This illegal activity has not only disrupted the forest ecosystem but has also led to delays and alleged corruption in the bridge construction project.
The above matter indicated Bench violation of the provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of scheduled enactment.
“Power of the Tribunal to take up the matter in suo-motu exercise of power has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.”
Hence, Principal Bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Dr. A. Senthil Vel impleaded the following as respondents in the matter:
i. Central Pollution Control Board, Through its Member Secretary.
ii. JharkhandState Pollution Control Board, Through its Member Secretary.
iii. Ministry of Environment and Forest.
iv. Deputy Commissioner, West Singhbhum .
The Bench issued notice to the Respondents.
Since the matter relates to the Eastern Zonal Bench, Kolkata, therefore, the Bench transferred the matter to the Eastern Zonal Bench for appropriate further action.Office is directed by the NGT to transfer the original record to the Eastern Zonal Bench and the matter is listed on 18.09.2024.