Order of the National Green Tribunal (Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata) in the matter of Youth United for Sustainable Environmental Trust Vs State of Odisha & Others dated 12/03/2024.

The matter related to illegal sand mining in Brahmani river at Gopinathpur. Approach road has been constructed which is obstructing the free flow of water. Sand mining operations are being carried out even during the monsoon seasons, which is prohibited as per Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016.

The allegations are specially levelled against Pitambar Bhutia, the lessee of Nizgarhzami Sand Quarry (locally known as Gopinathpur Sand Quarry) over an area of 24.86 acres or 10.06 hectares in village Nizgarhzami, tahasil Talcher, district Angul, in Khata No.446, Plot No.3695, and is carrying on sand mining operation in violation of Environmental Clearance conditions, Consent to Operate conditions, Sustainable Sand Mining Guidelines, 2016, and Enforcement and Monitoring of Sand Mining Guidelines, 2020, Odisha Sand Policy, 2021, EIA Notification 2006 and Amendment 2016, and Odisha Minor Minerals Concession Rules, 2016.

The NGT, taking into consideration the allegations made directed a three member committee to look into the veracity of the allegations made. The committee comprises Odisha State Pollution Control Board; State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Odisha and District Collector, Angul.

The committee has been directed to inspect the site in question and submit its report within four weeks. The District Collector, Angul would be the nodal agency for all logistic purposes.