News: Haryana pollution board to submit report on illegal mining in Aravallis-07-06-2022
Gurugam: The Haryana State Pollution Control Board on Monday said that it will submit a report on illegal mining in the Aravallis, across the three districts of Gurugram, Faridabad and Nuh
Gurugam: The Haryana State Pollution Control Board on Monday said that it will submit a report on illegal mining in the Aravallis, across the three districts of Gurugram, Faridabad and Nuh.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) asked the state pollution control board and government authorities to submit a factual report, and take steps to preventing illegal mining on May 23
The NGT issued these directions while hearing a petition filed by the Aravalli Bachao Citizens Movement, which alleged that illegal mining was taking place at 16 locations across three districts of South Haryana.
The activists also alleged that large swathes of hills were being destroyed by illegal sand and stone mining. Notably, the Supreme Court banned all forms of mining in the Aravalli range in 2009.
In its order, the NGT asked for a joint committee to be formed by different state and central authorities. The committee was directed to meet within four weeks and undertake site visits to ascertain the existence and extent of illegal mining. The committee was also asked to find out the magnitude of loss caused to the environment and state exchequer.
Neelam Ahluwalia, Aravalli Bachao Citizens Movement, said, “We are ready to assist the joint committee constituted by NGT to show the 16 sites where illegal mining is happening in Gurugram, Faridabad and Nuh.”
Activist Anu PD said that they are demanding the formation of an independent Aravalli Protection Authority to safeguard the entire range across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
S Narayana, member secretary, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, said that they are investigating the matter.
