The National Green Tribunal has now directed the Union Environment Ministry not to grant environmental clearance for sand mining in the rivers of north India till September 1 each year and during the rainy season.
A Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar gave the order on a plea by environmental activist Virendra Kumar alleging mining activity was being carried out by private parties during monsoons.
The MoEF told before the tribunal that there are restrictions on sand mining during rains. “Counsel for the Ministry submits that the restrictions for carrying on mining activity is during the raining season which is normally mid-May to mid-August. In view of this, there is no reason for us to interfere. Consequently, we dispose of this application. But we make it clear that in future, the Ministry whenever granting environmental clearance in north India shall incorporate the condition that no river mining is carried on till September 1,” the Bench said.
