The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took Suo Motu cognizance of large-scale illegal mining and storage of gravel in Sirohi District of Rajasthan.
The Petition is registered suo-moto on the basis of the news item appearing in the daily newspaper dated 30.01.2024.
As per the news item though the Government is serious about taking action against illegal mining and storage but it has no effect on the sand mafia.
The news item discloses that the illegal mining is in progress in collusion with the department which is a cause of concern.
The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of environmental norms, especially the action by Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) against the violator for causing damage to the environment by such activities.
“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, the Principal Bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Dr. A Senthil Vel impleaded the following as respondents in the matter:
(1). Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board through its Member Secretary.
(2). Central Pollution Control Board through its Member Secretary.
(3). District Magistrate, Bhilwara.
Since the matter relates to the Central Zonal Bench, Bhopal , therefore, the Bench transferred the matter to the Central Zonal Bench , for appropriate further action. Office is directed by the NGT to transfer the original record to the Central Zonal Bench and the matter is listed on 02.07.2024.