Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Arun Tiwari Vs State of Uttar Pradesh dated 06/05/2024.

In the application, the allegation is of illegal mining of soil upto 10-15 mtrs. depth from the farmer’s land by M/s Gowar Construction Limited, the project proponent in collusion with the officer of the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPIDA) during the construction of Bundelkhand Expressway Project and consequential damage to the road. The report of the project proponent does not contain information whether any EC was obtained for carrying out the mining activity.

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The NGT directed the Member Secretary, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to get the inspection done through its representative and ascertain the extent of legal/illegal mining done by Gowar Construction Limited and file a detailed report. The counsel appearing for the project proponent also sought two weeks time to place on record a copy of the EC for mining by the competent authority.