Stop mining activity in Alwar: NGT

The bench also directed the state government to seize all crushers/grinders “illegally and unauthorisedly operating in that area”.

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“No trucks, JBCs and tractors would be permitted to enter these areas except (those) owned by the state government only for the purposes of restoration activity for which the specific permit will be issued by the deputy commissioner of district Alwar,” the bench said.

Taking note of a report submitted last year by deputy conservator of forests of Alwar, the bench said the “environment and ecology of that area is threatened with a serious environmental disaster”.

“This report is an indicator to the illegal, unauthorised and rampant mining going on in that area to which the state authorities have shut their eyes. According to this report, 3,000 to 3,500 kg explosives are used in one go and 4’’ bore holes are drilled to plant explosives to blast off hillocks and rocks in such a huge quantity that almost 1,000 dumpers, each carrying approximately 45 to 60 tonne stone, are loaded and transported to neighbouring Haryana state within a night,” the bench observed.

It dismissed the contention of the state government that a fine of Rs 40 lakh had been collected from the various miners and some vehicles had been seized. The state government had submitted that the fine was equal to the value of the illegally extracted mineral.

“We are not really concerned with the revenue loss to the state. It is a matter which the state needs to address,” the bench said, while directing the state government to submit a “complete and comprehensive” plan for restoration, reforestation and reclamation of the entire area.