Order of the National Green Tribunal (Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata) in the matter of R. Sreedhar Vs Union of India & Others dated 25/01/2018 regarding illegal sand and boulders mining within the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary/Makum Pani Reserved Forest, Digboi Division, Assam.

The Original Application pertains to :

(i) illegal sand and boulders mining within the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary/Makum Pani Reserved Forest, Digboi Division,

(ii) illegal coal mining and operation of the coke oven plants around Margherita and

(iii) impact of the North Eastern Coalfields due to overburden and Acid Mine Drainage.

The mining in Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary is alleged to be taking place in the river bed of the Dirak river on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border by various mechanical means adversely affecting the dynamics of the river flow and change in the river course as well affecting the river Namtok resulting in the increase in erosion of the bank and adverse impact on the riverine ecosystem.

NGT directs the Assam State Pollution Control Board and the District Mining Officers and District Magistrates Tinsukia and Tinsukia Districts of Assam, and Tirap district in Arunachal Pradesh to inspect the area in question and verify on the correctness of the allegations contained in the OA. If there are illegal mining and illegal operation of the coal mines and coke oven units in the area as alleged, appropriate action be instituted.