Order of the National Green Tribunal (Central Zone Bench, Bhopal) in the matter of Arun Sharma Vs State of Rajasthan & Others dated 15/01/2024.

Issue raised in the application are the violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 and illegal mining being carried out within the notified area of Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary and the other parts of tehsil Bayana in the district of Bharatpur, Rajasthan which is giving rise to the inhalable dust resulting in breathing problems to the villagers living in the abadi area which is just adjacent to the illegal mining area. Certain area of Bandh Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary was de-notified for the mining purposes and generation of revenue by the State Government and under the garb of which certain illegal miners started the sandstone mining activities without the permission of the concerned authorities within the protected area of Bandh Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary and in the nearby areas of Tehsil-Bayana, District Bharatpur, the applicant said.

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Taking into consideration the seriousness of the situation, NGT directed the authorities to file their reply within six weeks.

The court also called for a report on the matter from a joint committee consisting of one representative each from the Collector, Bharatpur; District Forest Officer, Bharatpur and Rajasthan Pollution Control Board. The committee was directed to visit the place and submit the factual and action taken report within six weeks.