No sand mining in north India till September 1 each year: Green Tribunal

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal has 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 not during the rainy season. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar passed the direction while disposing of a plea alleging mining activity being carried out in the rainy season, contrary to the terms and conditions of the environmental clearance.

The counsel appearing for the Ministry told the bench that the restriction for carrying on mining activity apply only during the raining season. "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.

The Tribunal was hearing a plea by environment activist Virendra Kumar who had approached the green panel seeking stay against the mining activity being carried out by private persons during monsoon period in Karnal district of Haryana. Kumar, in his plea filed through advocate Kapil Joshi, said the project proponent was violating the terms of environmental clearance and carrying out mining activity even during the rainy season.