Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Raja Muzaffar Bhat Vs Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir & Others dated 28/11/2023.

The matter is related to illegal mining in district Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir. Counsel for the applicant, Raja Muzaffar Bhat informed the court that the mining activity is being undertaken by the private entity in violation of Sustainable Sand Mining Guidelines, 2016 and Enforcement & Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining, 2020 and the condition of Environmental Clearance (EC) dated March 4, 2022. The conditions of EC which were violated included prohibition on mining outside prescribed areas and use of heavy machinery in mining and prohibition for mining within active water channels among other conditions.

The NGT, November 28, 2023 directed Jammu & Kashmir Environment Impact Assessment Authority and District Magistrate, Pulwama to file their report at least one week before the next date of hearing, February 5, 2024.