The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has turned down the plea filed by Matri Sadan Ashram in 2014 for a complete ban on mining in Ganga. According to latest NGT order, sand can be taken out from the riverbed and not from the riverbank or any other mining site near or in the river. “What is to be prohibited is unregulated, illegal and unsustainable mining activity on the river banks. Removing the collected sands from the riverbed is an established and time-tested practice. However, it should be removed scientifically and to a limited extent so that no harm is done to the river’s ecology and bio diversity,” the order ran.
Earlier, the members of Matri Sadan had threatened to go on a fast if mining activities were not stopped in Bishanpur village. Bhrahmachari Dayanand had said that mining leases in Bishanpur are in violation of the rules laid down by National Green Tribunal on July 28, 2014. It may be mentioned here that in June 2014, former District Magistrate D Senthil Pandian had cancelled all mining permits granted to private contractors after it was found out during a spot survey that norms were being flouted. He had requested the state level environment impact assessment authority (EIAA) to look into the matter.
Residents alleged that the outgoing District Magistrate Pandian was transferred to facilitate the mining mafia. Soon after the new District Magistrate Harish Chander Semwal assumed office, mining resumed. Bhrahmachari Dayanand had written to District Magistrate on February 7, requesting him to ensure that the order is complied with. Dayanand also claimed that the green tribunal order says no mining leases can be granted for areas less than five hectares.