The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to obtain satellite images of the stretch concerned of last 5 years, excluding the monsoons, analyse them and ascertain the extent of illegal sand mining, especially 1000-metres on both sides of the bridge on the Swan river which was damaged in July 2023.
The Bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Justice Sudhir Agarwal, Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Dr. Afroz Ahmad heard a Suo Motu matter registered on the basis of the report relating to the closure of the bridge on the Swan river connected Nangal with Garhshankar due to indiscriminate illegal sand mining in the area concerned.
The reports dated 24.08.2024 have been filed by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) stating that the site was inspected in July 2024 and no illegal sand mining was noticed.
It is undisputed that in July 2024, the monsoon had already started resulting in flooding of the area. Hence, there was no possibility of detecting any illegal sand mining. However, along with the report of the CPCB reveals that as many as six FIRs were registered in 2024 for illegal mining and the details of impounded vehicles reveal that even the Poclain machines were used for the said illegal mining which was seized.
The reports so filed by the PPCB and CPCB have been adopted by the Deputy Commissioner, Rupnagar.
It is not in dispute that by obtaining the satellite images for the period excluding the monsoon period, the extent of illegal mining in the area concerned can be ascertained.
“Hence, we direct the CPCB to obtain the satellite images of the stretch concerned of last 5 years, excluding the monsoon period, analyse them and ascertain the extent of illegal sand mining specially 1000 meter both side of the bridge which was damaged in July 2023,” the NGT directed, listing the matter on 04.12.2024.
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