THE National Green Tribunal has imposed a cost of Rs 10,000 on Haryana for not filing a report on illegal mining in the Rithoj village of Gurugram district despite earlier directions. The green body was hearing a petition that claimed unscientific illegal mining in the village had resulted in the depletion of water table, green cover and damage to water bodies. A bench of National Green Tribunal Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivasta va noted that the tribunalhadearlierformeda panel that in its report had acknowledged the adverse effects of illegal mining.

 

The bench - also comprising Judicial Members Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Justice Arun Kumar Tyagiand Expert Member A Senthil Vel-said the authorities concerned took no action despite acknowledgingtheexistenceofillegalmining. Following this, the tribunal had sought a further action taken report.

 

It said the National Green Tribunal,initsorderdatedJanuary5, had warned the panel of “sternaction” for submitting a “casual report.” Considering anotherreport thefollowing month, the National GreenTribunalhadnotedthatthe administration did not take anyaction despite the illegal mining continuing. InitsorderdatedFebruary8,thetribunal had said the conductshowed paralysis of the administration on the subject, in breachof the “public trust doctrine,” thebench added. The National Green Tribunal had also directed the HaryanaChief Secretary to personally lookinto the matter and take remedial measures, besides filing anaction taken report within amonth.