This meticulous inspection by The National Green Tribunal has unveiled a deep-seated disregard for environmental norms within the dolomite mining sector.
Raigarh: In a decisive move to combat environmental negligence, The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated an inquiry into the operations of dolomite crushers and mines, revealing glaring flaws and a complete disregard for environmental norms. The revelation came after a comprehensive report showcased the absence of a mandatory seven and a half meter green belt around the operational areas.
Failure to Comply
The tribunal demanded a thorough inspection after Sudhir Kumar Pandey raised concerns about pollution and road degradation due to dolomite crushers in the Katangpali, Salheona area. Shockingly, not a single operator adhered to the development of the mandated green belt, painting a bleak picture of environmental adherence in the region.
Joint Committee Inspection
A joint committee, consisting of representatives from concerned departments, including ADM Santan Devi Jangde and Scientist Dr. PR Sakhre, embarked on an inspection on August 7, 2023. The inquiry encompassed several entities but found a unanimous lack of compliance with every operator displaying inadequate efforts to develop the required green belt and delineate lease areas.
Protection Through Silence
It’s evident that both the Mineral and Revenue Department played a pivotal role in sheltering these illegal activities, displaying a worrying non-cooperative attitude even during the committee’s inspection and enabling the continuation of illegal mining and misuse of resources without facing consequences.
Immediate Action Mandated
Based on the committee’s alarming revelations, NGT has instructed the Environment and Mineral Department to enforce strict adherence to environmental norms. Detailed inspections and surveys have been ordered, alongside the installation of CCTV for monitoring and the immediate development of the seven-and-a-half meter green belt around operational areas.
The uncovered violations and subsequent mandates for immediate actions underscore the urgent need for strict enforcement of ecological standards. This intervention is a crucial step towards safeguarding our environment, emphasizing that compliance and ecological responsibility are non-negotiable, irrespective of the industry.
Copyright@IndiaCSR
