Kolkata: The National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) east zone bench has slapped Rs 10,000 fine on the Odisha government for failing to submit a report on alleged illegal stone excavation at Nischinta Hill in Dhenkanal district.
The government was given six months’ time to submit the report.
In its order on August 28, the bench, comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi (judicial member) and Dr Afroz Ahmad (expert member), expressed displeasure over non-submission of the Odisha remote sensing application centre (ORSAC) report, which is required to assess the quantum of excavation carried out in violation of environmental norms, even over six months after its February 17 directive.
While the tribunal had sought the report within four weeks, additional government advocate Jateswar Nayak representing the state sought further time to file it.
The bench granted a final extension of one month on the condition that the state deposits a fine of Rs 10,000 with the secretary of bar association, NGT (principal bench), New Delhi, for the delay.
While the matter has been listed for final hearing on November 13, the tribunal has directed for completing all remaining pleadings, replies and rejoinders within the next month. It further warned that no further adjournments will be entertained.
The case pertains to a petition filed by a Talcher-based NGO, alleging rampant illegal mining in Nischinta hill and in its surrounding reserved forest areas under Gondia tehsil with over 20,000 tonnes of stone reportedly extracted by blasting and using heavy machinery without necessary environmental or forest clearances.
The joint committee formed by the tribunal, in its interim report, confirmed illegal stone extraction in the area. However, it could not determine the exact quantum of mineral extracted due to the absence of an ORSAC-empanelled agency with scientific equipment during the inspection.
