Order of the National Green Tribunl in the matter of Naresh Kumar Parmar Vs Union of India & Others dated 17/09/2019 regarding mining leases operating in Ambaji, Banas Kantha District of Gujarat dumping overburden in the natural drain which had the potential of obstructing the natural flow of water and causing siltation of the water courses in the entire mining area.

A Committee comprising of SEIAA, Gujarat and Gujarat State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) was constituted to ascertain the number of mining leases dumping their waste. Through the order of July 25, 2019 the Committee was directed to ascertain as to whether any mining closure plan had been submitted or observed while the three mines had resorted to self-closure. That apart, the value of the illegally mined minerals, Net Present Value of the ecological service foregone and the cost of restitution was also directed to be worked out to a deterrent value and to submit a report.

In the present order, the Tribunal also asks information on other mining leases operating in the area of Ambaji which are dumping their overburden in the area. NGT suggests that a senior scientist from CPCB should also be included in the Committee to make it more effective.

Note:

Previous Order Dated July 25, 2019