Acting on a petition of rights activist Subhash Mohapatra over alleged illegal mining operation by GMR Chhattisgarh Energy ltd violating guidelines particularly pollution norms, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Central and State Governments to file status reports.
NGT Judicial Member Justice Pratap Kumar Ray and Expert Member Dr PC Mishra have recently asked the Union Environment and Forests Secretary, Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), Sambalpur DFO, State Water Resources Secretary and Sambalpur DDM to file status report within four weeks.
Besides, the OSPCB has been directed to submit an action-taken report (ATR) within four weekstoo.The tribunal fixed March 14 for next hearing.
The petitioner had challenged the illegal and unauthorised use of Hirakud Reservoir and grazing land by the GMR Chhatisgarh Energy ltd in operating a coal mine in Talabira coal block.
“It has been blatantly violating the conditions of environment clearance dated 8th November 2011 and consent to operate granted by State Pollution Control Board and discharging the untreated mines water to the Hirakud Reservoir and agricultural fields along with air pollution due to plying of heavy vehicles and unscientific management of over burden dump and thereby causing pollution and inconvenience to the human habitations,” the petitioner contended.