Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of 'In re : News item published in Google News dated 07.02.2023 titled “Mining in Border : In 250 meter distance, mafia are digging ‘tunnel’ everyday mining of 150 Trucks of Gypsum' dated 24/02/2023.

Proceedings in the matter have been initiated suo-motu in light of media report about illegal mining of gypsum on Indo-Pak border in Bikaner district of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board has filed its response along with reports of the Mining Department to the effect that no mining is permissible within 1 km of the border. It was found that illegal mining took place within 250 metres of the border to the extent of 172.5 tonnes of gypsum for which penalty of Rs. 296000 has been collected.

The court directed the Additional Chief Secretary, Mines and Geology, Rajasthan to look into the matter of mining of gypsum as illegal mining not only has an adverse impact on the environment but also results in loss of revenue for the state.