Why Did the NGT Fine the Odisha Government for Not Submitting an Illegal Mining Report?
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Synopsis
The NGT has taken a strong stance against the Odisha government for its negligence in addressing illegal mining activities. This fine serves as a wake-up call for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations to protect our forests.
Key Takeaways
- NGT fines Odisha government for non-compliance.
- Importance of ORSAC report in addressing illegal mining.
- Illegal mining linked to environmental degradation.
- Urgent action required to enforce Forest Conservation Act.
- Communities urging for stricter regulations.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 3 (NationPress) The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has levied a fine on the Odisha government for its failure to present a report from the Odisha Remote Sensing Application Centre (ORSAC) regarding illegal mining activities in the Gondia region of Dhenkanal district.
“On February 17, the tribunal instructed the state government to submit the ORSAC report detailing the extent of excavation. This was necessary to take legal action against stone crushers involved in unauthorized mining. However, the government did not provide the report even after six months had passed,” stated Sankar Pani, the lawyer representing the applicant, Youth United for Sustainable Environment Trust, on Wednesday.
The state has been directed to file the report with the commission and pay a fine of Rs 10,000 to the Secretary, Bar Association, NGT, Principal Bench, Delhi, within a month.
Notably, the applicant organization raised concerns about illegal mining occurring in and around Nischinta Hill in Nihalprasad Mouza of Gondia Tahasil, Dhenkanal.
They further alleged that the illegal activities have led to environmental damage, as Nischinta Hill is part of the Nischinta Reserve Forest, constituting a serious breach of the Forest Conservation Act.
The society highlighted the existence of four unlawful stone crushers operating on forest land, as reported by the Forest Range Officer of Sadangi Forest Range.
“The stone mafias are running the quarry and crushers without requisite authorizations. The implementation of Section 163 of BNSS 2023 is intended to control illegal mining in these areas,” alleged the organization.
Moreover, they claimed that the prohibitory order is merely superficial, as illegal quarrying persists daily, an issue also reported in major Odia newspapers and brought to the attention of authorities through social media and email.
Point of View
The NGT's decision highlights a critical need for stricter adherence to environmental laws. It serves as a reminder that governmental bodies must be held accountable to protect our natural resources. The ongoing illegal mining activities demand immediate attention, and effective measures must be implemented to safeguard our forests and their ecosystems.
NationPress
03/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basis for the fine imposed on the Odisha government?
The fine was imposed for the government's failure to submit a report from the Odisha Remote Sensing Application Centre regarding illegal mining activities.
What are the implications of illegal mining in the Gondia area?
Illegal mining in the Gondia area has resulted in environmental damage, particularly to the Nischinta Reserve Forest, and violates the Forest Conservation Act.
