The National Green Tribunal has ordered that no environmental clearance will be given for sand mining in the rivers of north India till September 1 each year.
No environmental clearance will be given for sand mining in the rivers of north India till September 1 each year, and during the rainy season, directed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to the Union Environment ministry.
A bench headed by NGT chairperson, Justice Swatanter Kumar passed the direction while disposing of a plea alleging mining activity being carried out in the rainy season, contrary to the terms and conditions of the environmental clearance.
The counsel appearing for the ministry told the bench that the restriction for carrying on mining activity applied only during the raining season, which is normally mid-May to mid-August.
Though the Bench disposed of the petition, it said, "But we make it clear that in future, the Ministry whenever granting environmental clearance in north India shall incorporate the condition that no river mining is carried on till September 1."
The Tribunal was hearing a plea by environment activist, Virendra Kumar who had approached the green panel seeking stay against the mining activity being carried out by private persons during monsoon period in Karnal district of Haryana.
Mr Kumar, in his plea filed through advocate Kapil Joshi, said the project proponent was violating the terms of environmental clearance and carrying out mining activity even during the rainy season.