Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Chander Singh Vs Union of India & Other dated 16/09/2020.

The matter related to illegal mining of dolomite by N. B. Minerals Corporation Ltd., at village Dundu, tehsil Didihat, district Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. A report filed by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Dehradun, District Magistrate, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand Environment Protection & Pollution Control Board and representative of the Indian Bureau of Mines and Ministry of Mines had said that that there was violation of environmental norms, including in disposal of the muck. The NGT February 24, 2020 had directed that remedial action should be taken to recover compensaton as well as remediation of the area.

The report of September 10, 2019 filed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has said that further detailed examination was necessary for determining the quantum damage. It is also recommended that some immediate measures be taken to prevent further damage.

The NGT directed that the recommendations contained in the CPCB report be acted upon and granted time sought by the Committee for completing its task. The matter has been listed again for January 22, 2021.