The National Green Tribunal imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on Uttarakhand State Pollution Control Board (UKSPCB) Member Secretary for non-compliance with the order of the Tribunal.
The Bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Dr Afroz Ahmad addressed a critical environmental issue in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal District, specifically the illegal mining at Daida Village.
On September 25, 2024 the counsel for the District Magistrate, Rudraprayag, submitted a belated reply, confirming the occurrence of illegal mining.
The UKSPCB was directed by the NGT to take steps to impose Environmental Clearance (EC) for the environmental damage caused.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) referenced communications dated July 25, 2024, and August 28, 2024, requesting a report from UKPCB.
Despite these requests and notice service, UKPCB’s Member Secretary failed to submit the report or appear before the tribunal.
Consequently, the tribunal imposed a fine of Rs. 25,000 on UKPCB’s Member Secretary for non-compliance and adjourned the case. The Member Secretary was directed to deposit the fine within two weeks and submit a report on the actions taken for EC imposition within four weeks.
The next hearing is scheduled for January 20, 2025.