NGT slaps Rs 7.25 crore fine for illegal laterite stone mining, directs action against tehsildar

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday imposed a fine of Rs 7.25 crore on a leaseholder towards environmental compensation for carrying out illegal laterite stone quarry mining in Sahadaghai under Tangi police limits in Khordha district.

The tribunal also directed the Sub-Collector, Khordha to promulgate Section 144 CrPC over the plots of Sahadaghai mouza immediately to stop further illegal mining over the said area and intimate the action taken report (ATR) within three days.

The NGT also issued a letter for action to be taken against the Tahasildar, Tangi after hearing a matter regarding the illegal mining of laterite stone in the absence of Consent to Establish, Consent to Operate from a date prior to transfer of Environmental Clearance in favour of the lessee.

Earlier, three FIRs were lodged against the lessee Patitapaban Barik, for allegedly carrying out quarrying operation beyond the lease area and seven vehicles, two power tillers, and one motorcycle engaged in the illegal mining were seized. 

The FIR states that though the Environmental Clearance was granted only for one plot, illegal laterite stone mining was carried out on five plots. Moreover, the said area is full of acacia, cashew, and other associated trees and the said land is 'Forest Land' as recorded in the Sabik records.

“You may be aware that there is a huge amount of laterite stone deposits in Khorda and parts of Nayagarh district. A laterite quarry in Sahadaghai was auctioned and given on lease in 2021. The state government has faced loss worth Rs 7.81 crore due to illegal mining in the area. The tehsildars serving in Tangi from 2021 to November 2022 are responsible for such heinous acts. There is no doubt that they are also part of the illegal mining,” said lawyer Shankar Pani.