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Ropar, February 2
A report prepared by a National Green Tribunal (NGT) probe panel has confirmed that mining norms were violated in Ropar district.
The report of joint committee, comprising members of the Central Pollution Control Board, Director Mining, Punjab, and the Punjab State Pollution Control Board, stated that there were no check posts near quarries, safety and stability of river banks was not maintained, no plantation was carried out and stone crushers were traced near the river bed. It also highlighted that the mining area was not demarcated and mining was taking place beyond the permitted depth and in unscientific manner.
Ropar-based RTI activist and lawyer Dinesh Chadha had filed an application before the tribunal, seeking directions to stop illegal mining in the district. On October 20, the four-member principal Bench of the NGT had asked the panel to take remedial measures to stop illegal mining and assess damages. The tribunal had also ordered action against the erring officials within two months.
The tribunal directed the state to recover compensation for violations, impound vehicles involved in illegal mining, establish check posts, take steps for protection of such stretches, demarcate mine lease areas, regulate working of stone crushers, prepare a restoration plan of the river eco systems and execute the same within three months. — TNS