The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) consisting of Justice Jawad Rahim and Justice R.S. Rathore and expert Ranjan Chatterjee has ordered the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to conduct an inspection of areas covering the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and submit a report to determine any illegal sand mining.
The Pollution Control Board has also been asked to determine whether the activity in these States is mining or de-silting as contended by them and if so, whether the contention of these States that such activity cannot be done manually and has to be mechanically done is acceptable.
The Bench in its March 28 order said that the report shall be filed within a period of two weeks after serving copy on counsel appearing for both the States and the applicant.
“We make it clear that study should be comprehensive and indicate as to whether de-silting is essential.” The Bench listed the matter to April 19.
It said that the inspection should also include any other issue that may be relevant and directed the Registry to furnish a copy of the original application to the Secretary, CPCB, through counsel.
