On February 22, the Andhra Pradesh High Court directed the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change (MOEF) to provide updates on the ongoing issue of illegal sand mining in the state. Responding to concerns raised about unauthorized sand extraction, the court instructed the MOEF to report on the actions taken to address this environmental violation. The directive follows public interest litigation highlighting the rampant illegal mining activities, particularly along the banks of the River Neeva in Chittoor District.
Vijayawada: On 22nd February, the Andhra Pradesh High Court directed the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change (MOEF), to provide updates on the ongoing issue of illegal sand mining in the state. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has escalated the illegal sand mining case to the Supreme Court after the Andhra Pradesh Government contested its earlier rulings imposing fines of Rs 18 crore for each Environmental Clearance (EC) issued. Alongside the cancellation of 110 ECs, the NGT mandated the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoEF) to form a joint committee for evaluating the environmental compensation regarding mining activities by project proponents.
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In response to the NGT’s directives, the MoEF initiated inspections in Krishna and Guntur districts, uncovering numerous violations, including unauthorized sand mining operations without proper environmental clearances. The NGT has expressed concerns over the utilization of heavy machinery in these activities, emphasizing the need for stricter environmental regulations and enforcement.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court, with a Division Bench comprising Dhiraj Singh Thakur CJ. and R. Raghunandan Rao, J., instructed Respondent 7, the District Collector of Chittoor District, to ensure that no illegal sand mining occurs without proper permission or license granted to Respondent 11 and 12.
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Additionally, a status report must be submitted regarding the actions taken. The case, initiated through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), highlighted the Mines and Geology Department’s inaction and other agencies in curbing illegal sand mining in River Neeva, specifically in Settiappam Thangal Village, Ananthapuram Panchayat.
Respondent 11 and 12 were accused of conducting illegal sand mining, later the petitioner to requested for stringent action against them and measures to halt the unauthorized extraction and transportation of sand.
CASE TITLE: D. Swaminathan Vs. State of Andhra Pradesh
