NGT: No green nod, no marble mining

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned stone and marble mining taking place without environmental clearance in Rajasthan’s Alwar district.
Acting on a plea seeking ban on “illegal” mines that are functioning in contravention to the environmental laws, the tribunal issued notices to the Environment Ministry, Rajasthan government, Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board and others, seeking their response by March 2.
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“No person would be permitted to carry out mining activity who does not have the requisite environmental clearance, consent from the Pollution Control Board and permission from the mining authorities,” the tribunal said.

Alwar resident, Khayali Ram, had filed a petition seeking directions to stop the functioning of “illegal” mines in the district. Khayali has alleged that “illegal mines” were in close proximity to the Sariska National Park and Tiger Reserve and “also in the area which forms part of Aravalli hills”.