New Delhi/Lucknow: Amid raging controversy over IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal's suspension, the Centre today constituted a three-member panel to probe allegations of illegal sand mining in Gautam Budh Nagar district in Uttar Pradesh.
The committee which will be headed by Dr Saroj, Director in the Environment and Forest Ministry, has been asked to submit its report by Friday after ascertaining the "factual position with a view to suggesting further course of action in the matter".
"Illegal mining has serious environmental and ecological repercussions," the ministry said, adding that in the last few days, various media reports have been highlighting the menace of alleged illegal sand mining in Gautam Budh Nagar.
Seeking to downplay a local intelligence report which said that Ms Nagpal was not present during demolition of the wall, state minister Brahma Shanker Tripathi said, "An inquiry is being conducted and the truth will come out soon."
The Akhilesh Yadav government, which has drawn flak for the suspension, has refused to revoke its decision and chargesheeted the officer.
Meanwhile, in Delhi, the over 4,700 strong IAS Officers' Association sought changes in rules including prior sanction of the Centre before any officer is suspended by the state government.
Ms Nagpal's suspension has evoked sharp reaction from Opposition parties which alleged that she was removed for acting against the sand mafia. Ms Nagpal, a 2010 batch officer, is at present attached to the Revenue Board in Lucknow.
The committee which will be headed by Dr Saroj, Director in the Environment and Forest Ministry, has been asked to submit its report by Friday after ascertaining the "factual position with a view to suggesting further course of action in the matter".
"Illegal mining has serious environmental and ecological repercussions," the ministry said, adding that in the last few days, various media reports have been highlighting the menace of alleged illegal sand mining in Gautam Budh Nagar.
Seeking to downplay a local intelligence report which said that Ms Nagpal was not present during demolition of the wall, state minister Brahma Shanker Tripathi said, "An inquiry is being conducted and the truth will come out soon."
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The Akhilesh Yadav government, which has drawn flak for the suspension, has refused to revoke its decision and chargesheeted the officer.
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Meanwhile, in Delhi, the over 4,700 strong IAS Officers' Association sought changes in rules including prior sanction of the Centre before any officer is suspended by the state government.
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Ms Nagpal's suspension has evoked sharp reaction from Opposition parties which alleged that she was removed for acting against the sand mafia. Ms Nagpal, a 2010 batch officer, is at present attached to the Revenue Board in Lucknow.
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