Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Gram-Panchayat Kasarwadi Vs Maharashtra State Vadar Samaj Sangh & Others dated 09/11/2020. Grievance in this application is against illegal stone mining activities in village Kasarwadi, taluka Hatkanangale, district Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

According to the applicant (Gram Panchayat, Kasarwadi), the District Mining Officer, Kolhapur gave mining lease which was later cancelled. Still, the illegal mining is continuing causing air pollution, noise pollution and damage to the agricultural land. Blasting for mining is affecting the safety of the houses of the inhabitants. The land is a reserved forest.

In view of the complaint, the NGT directed a factual and action taken report from a Joint Committee comprising the State PCB, the Collector, Kolhapur and Chief Conservator of Forests, Kolhapur. If illegal action is found, the Committee must take further appropriate action as per law, following due process, the order said.