Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Dukalu Ram & Others Vs Union of India & Others dated 14/02/2019. The issue for consideration is illegal mining in Coal Blocks of Gare Palma IV/2 and Gare Palma IV/3 in Distt. Raigarh, Chhattisgarh by diverting forest land for mining. The mining resulted in pollution affecting the crops of the farmers. Chemical and coal water was dumped into the fields.

The application was filed before the Tribunal on 22.09.2014. The Tribunal directed inspection of ambient air quality. On 31.07.2018, after considering the inspection report dated 18.12.2017 submitted by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) the Tribunal examined the responsibility of the M/s Jindal Steel and Power Limited and M/s South Eastern Coalfields Limited. The report was accepted and directions to take remedial action were issued. An Oversight Committee was also constituted. The Committee was to furnish a report by 01st week of February, 2019.

The present application has been filed to the effect that order of this Tribunal was not being complied. Tribunal directs that remedial actions are to be taken in light of the deficiencies found which will include restoration of the environment and recovering the cost thereof from the polluters/persons responsible for the damage. The cost is to be recovered from M/s Jindal Steel and Power Limited and M/s South Eastern Coalfields Limited. The process should be completed within three months. The Joint Committee may also determine as to how the amount so assessed is to be spent, including giving compensation to the victims, if any.