Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Amarshakti Vs State of Bihar & Others dated 14/02/2019 regarding illegal sand mining in rivers Sone and Ganga at Koelnar and Patna in Bihar. The illegal mining was resulting in affecting the flow of the rivers.

The Tribunal had directed Secretary, Mines and Mineral, Bihar to constitute a team of representatives of Mines and Mineral Department, District Magistrate and the SSP to look into the matter and take appropriate action in accordance with law. Accordingly, report dated 12.10.2018 has been received from the Government of Bihar stating that 122 prosecutions have been initiated and 297 persons arrested. 32 boats and 287 trucks have been seized in District Saran. Action has also been taken in District Bhojpur at Ara and District Vaishali at Hajipur. Similarly action has also been taken at Koelbar as well as for violations at Ganges river at Patna.

NGT while disposing of the application directs the State to evolve a mechanism to assess and recover the damages caused to the environment and also the cost of restoration of environment.