Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding illegal mining in Pinjore belt, Haryana, 23/04/2019

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Surinder Singh Vs State of Haryana dated 23/04/2019 regarding illegal mining in Pinjore belt, Chandimandir, Kalka, Haryana. A report furnished by a three member Committee comprising representatives of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) and the District Magistrate, Panchkula has stated that 19 FIRs have been lodged against illegal miners. 101 vehicles were apprehended carrying excavated material without permission. An amount of Rs. 21,99,500/- was recovered as royalty value of mineral and fine.

NGT says the "compensation recovered has to meet the mandate of law. The compensation has not only to include the cost of mined material or royalty but must have element of deterrence so as to recover cost of Net Present Value (NPV) of environmental services forgone forever and the cost of restoration. It has also been laid down that the vehicles involved must be confiscated and released only after recovery of atleast 50% of the showroom value of such vehicles."

NGT directs the Divisional Commissioner of the area and respresentative of CPCB and SPCB to file an action taken report within two months.