Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of In re: News item published in Newspaper Kalam Hindustani dated 22.01.2023 titled “Illegal mining at Kairana’s Ramda in Yamuna, who is responsible?” dated 24/02/2023.

Proceedings in the matter have been initiated suo motu in the light of captioned media report about illegal mining from Yamuna river at Ramda in Kairana tehsil in district Shamli, Uttar Pradesh.

The NGT said that it is clear from reports that mining is being done within the flood plain zone of Yamuna (within 1 km from the river). License was issued by the District Magistrate, Shamli, January 4, 2023 for removing the mineral deposited at their agricultural land. Mining has already been completed to the extent of 19124 cum. sand. "Thus, illegal mining has taken place in the garb of license granted by District Magistrate," noted the tribunal.

The letter from the District Magistrate, Shamli, January 21, 2023 shows that machines as well as five dumpers have been used. Mining on the flood plain zone of the river is prohibited as per River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016, which is applicable to Yamuna also. "Thus, it is not case of simple removal of sand from field of an individual but systematic commercial mining in the garb thereof, as suggested in the media report,", the NGT said.

The NGT said there is the need to take remedial measures and prevent such occurrences and directed the constitution of a joint committee of Additional Chief Secretaries, Environment Department, Mining Department and Jal Shakti Department, Uttar Pradesh and Integrated Regional Office, MoEF&CC, Lucknow. The committee has to prepare a plan of action within one month and this plan has to be executed within the next three months.