Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Sukanti Pradhan & Others Vs District Collector, Dhenkanal & Others dated 13/09/2021.

The matter related to illegal mining by Chinmay Kumar Nayak and operation of illegal stone crushers by Kunal Structure (I) Pvt. Ltd. at Jhilli Mouza in Dhenkanal district, Odisha.

A joint committee report on the matter showed that there were environmental violations, which point to the connivance of Sanjay Rout, Tehsildar, Kankadahad, Dhenkanal in the irregularities. However, the report does not mention as to what amount has been determined as environmental compensation towards cost of restoration of the environment; penalty for excess mining as well as the loss of revenue to the state exchequer caused due to excess mining. Further, compensation for the sal trees which have been illegally felled was also not determined.

The Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata headed by Justice B. Amit Sthalekar directed a fresh report to be filed and listed the matter, October 8, 2021.