Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Suraj Singh Karki  Vs State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority, Uttarakhand & Others dated 09/12/2022.

Appeals were filed against grant of environmental clearances (EC) dated September 9, 2022 by State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Uttarakhand for mining soap stone at village Nayal Biladi, tehsil and district Bageshwar, Uttarakhand.

It is said that ECs are in violation of EIA Notification dated September 14, 2006. "They ignore degradation of wildlife habitats and that such activity was not viable in earthquake prone area," the application to the NGT read.

The NGT directed the project proponent to file relevant studies about the impact of mining on seismicity and impact on forest and wildlife within two months before SEIAA so that "SEIAA may consider the same and pass a reasoned order considering all vital aspects before operationalizing the EC".

Till such order is passed, the EC will remain suspended, the NGT order said.