Petition alleges illegal mining on pvt property in Chamba; NGT directs HPSPCB, DM to examine matter

2 hours ago 3

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Directing the Regional Officer of the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) and the District Magistrate to examine the matter and take appropriate action, the principal bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi has disposed of a suo motu petition on the alleged illegal mining and tree felling on a property in Chamba district.

The application was filed by Kaichana Devi, a resident of Lodhwan in Kangra district, on the alleged illegal mining and tree felling on her property. The petition, treated as an original application, was registered based on a letter sent by the petitioner, highlighting the unauthorised activities of a local mining mafia operating under political protection.

The bench, comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi (Judicial Member) and Dr Afroz Ahmad (expert member), directed that if the applicant provides the requisite land details and other necessary information, the Regional Officer of the HPSPCB and the District Magistrate, Chamba, must examine the matter and take appropriate, preventive, prohibitive, punitive, and remedial action in accordance with the law.

Kaichana Devi had alleged that Tilak Raj, whose wife is the pradhan of Gram Panchayat Lodhwan, was carrying out illegal mining operations using heavy machinery and tractors at night, destroying private and government land without permission. She claimed that despite repeated complaints to authorities, including the mining officer, the SDM, and police, no meaningful action was taken.

The tribunal noted that while environmental laws must be strictly enforced, no specific dates, locations, or documentary evidence were provided by the petitioner, making it difficult to issue direct orders. Nonetheless, a copy of the order has been forwarded to the concerned authorities via email for further action, should the applicant furnish adequate information.