Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Anish Vs Union of India & Others dated 18/11/2022.

The matter related to violation of environmental norms by M/s Development Strategies India Pvt. Ltd., M/s Delhi Royalty Company and M/s Mubarikpur Royalty Company at Yamuna Nagar, Haryana in conducting sand mining at village Pobari, tehsil Radaur, district Yamuna Nagar.

The monitoring committee said that M/s Development Strategies India Pvt. Ltd. violated the requirement of undertaking replenishment study. Not developing green belt, not implementing progressive mine closure plan, not installing CCTV cameras and not having GPS system, diversion of river flow, illegal instream mining, not providing weigh bridge at the entry of the mining lease area are clear violations.

M/s Delhi Royalty Company was also found to have not installed boundary pillars and continued mining even after termination of the lease and using groundwater transported through tanekers instead of using treated sewage water.

M/s Mubarikpur Royalty Company was also found crossing the prescribed depth for mining.

The NGT directed M/s Development Strategies India Pvt. Ltd., M/s Delhi Royalty Company and M/s Mubarikpur Royalty Company to pay environmental compensation of Rs. 2.5 crore, Rs. 4.2 crore and Rs. 12 crore respectively.

The amount has to be deposited within one month with the Haryana State Pollution Control Board which is to be utilized for restoration of the environment by preparing and executing an action plan, in consultation with the District Magistrate, the NGT order, November 18, 2022 said. The action plan needs to cover restoration of degraded areas, post-mining remedial measures, restoring natural flow of river and taking other restitution activities, as required. The District Environment Plan may also be taken into account, the NGT order said.