The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took Suo Motu cognizance of the matter relating to the stone quarries troubling the Ri Bhoi village.
The Petition is registered suo-motu on the basis of the news item dated 05.07.2024.
As per the article, Nongthymmai-Garo village in the Umling subdivision of Ri Bhoi district, Meghalaya, is severely affected by illegal stone quarrying. The quarries, which began operating in the 1990s, ceased briefly due to a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order but resumed operations around the COVID-19 pandemic. These quarries are significantly damaging the local environment and posing risks to residents. Villagers report continuous quarry operations, even at night, causing disturbances and safety hazards. Quarry activities include detonator blasts, resulting in structural damage to houses and posing injury risks due to flying debris. Moreover, the quarries have led to the destruction of community forests and drying up of the Chidilma river, a crucial water source for the villagers. The quarry operators often exploit local villagers by leasing their land at very low rates, exacerbating the socio-economic issues in the community.
As per the news item, the primary cause of the issues faced by Nongthymmai-Garo villagers is the illegal stone quarrying conducted without proper permits or adherence to environmental regulations. Extensive deforestation, loss of green cover, and destruction of the Chidilma river have occurred due to the quarrying activities. The forest, which provided sustenance during difficult times, is disappearing. Villagers face severe health issues due to stone dust, noise pollution, and vibrations from detonator blasts. Respiratory problems and sleep disturbances are common. Houses near the quarries suffer from structural damages, including cracked walls and broken roofs, with inadequate or no compensation provided by quarry operators. Villagers lease their land at low prices due to lack of awareness and economic necessity, leading to further impoverishment as they seek employment in the hazardous quarries. Social Disruption: The continuous quarry operations, including on Sundays, disrupt the social and cultural fabric of the community.
The above matter indicated Bench violation of the provisions 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. Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, Through its Member Secretary .
iii. Ministry of Environment and Forest.
iv. Principal Chief Conservator of Forest.
v. District Commissioner, Ri Bhoi .
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 30.09.2024.