NGT imposes complete ban on mining across 85 sites in Punjab after village flags tender process
PTC News Desk:
The National Green Tribunal imposed a complete ban in all 85 sites across Punjab after panchayat of Gahlri village falling in Gurdaspur district moved an application. The ban will remain in effect until further orders.
The order was passed by the principal bench of the NGT, New Delhi.
The sites were identified by the Punjab Water Resources Department last year.
The counsel for the panchayat of village Gahalri argued that since the dredging and desilting work was intended for commercial purposes, mandatory environmental clearances were required. It was also argued that the village is located on the lower side and that if the debris were removed, it would “adversely affect the lands of the villagers.”
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) ruled, “Although the tender process will proceed, the desilting work shall not commence.”
The lawyer also raised concerns regarding compliance with environmental regulations. This order is of great significance for the villagers, as last August and September, large tracts of land in the state were devastated by floods caused by illegal mining carried out by unscrupulous elements.
An official from the Mining Department said that the department would comment only after reviewing the NGT’s orders.
- PTC NEWS
