Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Dheeraj Sharma Vs State of Madhya Pradesh & Others dated 09/10/2020 regarding illegal sand mining in Madhya Pradesh.

The applicant (Dheeraj Sharma) said that in spite of the notification issued by the Central Government and in spite of the fact that there is a regulatory authority to control illegal sand mining, it was taking place for government purposes.

The NGT made it clear that sand mining for any purposes, if required the environmental clearance (EC) according to the notification, EC was required. It was further made clear that if there was illegal sand mining with regard to the area and quantity, the necessary legal action must be initiated by the local administration and the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board.