Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday directed the formation of a three-member joint committee to examine sand mining in the Sindh river and its impact on the ecology of 24 villages in Bhind and Datia districts. The committee has been directed to submit its report within six weeks.
The joint committee consists of one representative from the Central Pollution Control Board, one member nominated by the Secretary, Environment Department, Madhya Pradesh, and one representative nominated by the Member Secretary, State Pollution Control Board.
Congress leader Govind Singh filed the petition, stating that large-scale, unauthorised and mechanised in-stream sand mining is being openly carried out in the Sindh river, a principal tributary of the Chambal-Yamuna system, ecologically connected with the National Chambal (Gharial) Wildlife Sanctuary, across 18 villages in Bhind district and six villages in Datia district ("Affected Villages").
As per the order, mining is being carried out using heavy earth-moving machinery and boats fitted with suction dredging equipment operating within the live river channel.
The extracted sand is transported, largely without valid transit permits, into Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Photographic evidence documents the alleged illegality.
The activity is being carried out without a valid District Survey Report or environmental clearance, and has already attracted a preliminary vigilance inquiry into alleged police complicity.
The petition states that large-scale illegal sand mining in the Sindh river poses a serious threat to the river's ecology, aquatic life and wildlife. The Sindh river serves as a breeding ground for crocodiles and several species of migratory birds.
Critically endangered Indian flapshell turtles and gharials are also regularly found in the river. The uncontrolled illegal mining causes severe water pollution and destroys the natural habitat of these species.
Further, in-stream mining adversely affects the river's flow, stability and ecological balance, thereby endangering the river's very existence.
