Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Bhanwar Lal & Others Vs State of Rajasthan & Others dated 22/05/2020.

The matter relates to large scale illegal minings being carried out in village Surajpura, Gopal Sagar, Kanakheda, Piplaz and Lehri and surrounding area in Ajmer, Rajasthan, especially near the catchment area of Shakti Sagar Lake. The Tribunal, expressed its displeasure at the lack of compliance of the NGT order of February 28, 2017, which included re-filling of pits, removal of anikits, restoration of the land of catchment area to its original form.

The tribunal noted that failure to take proper steps for compliance of the NGT order, meant that the water body of Shakti Sagar lake remained barren and there was no water in it. The court directed the Principal Secretary, Mines to personally supervise the execution of the NGT order and as the monsoon was not very far, the Collector Ajmer was to visit the site and remove all obstructions in the catchment area of the Shakti Sagar lake.

The Principal Secretary, Mines has been given the overall responsibility for execution of the NGT order and it has to be completed by June 2, 2020 and a report filed by way of affidavit by the Collector of Ajmer.