Raigarh (Chhattisgarh): The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently filed an investigation into 12 dolomite mines located in Barmkela tehsil, following allegations of unauthorized and environmentally damaging operations. A detailed report from the Environment Department, examining the practices of these mines, has been submitted to NGT and is pending a hearing set for next week. In an area plagued by illegal mining activities for years, the submission has renewed hopes for justice and corrective action.

The Alarming Situation

Several dolomite mine leases in locations such as Katangpali, Salheona, Jotpur, Naughta, and Bilaigarh have become hotspots for unlawful mining operations. From blatant violations, visible from the roadsides, to covert expansions beyond approved lease territories, these mines have flouted numerous regulations. Local government officers have allegedly turned a blind eye to these activities, making illicit mining a source of income and thus aggravating the situation. The lack of oversight has not only led to unauthorized extraction on both government and private lands but has also raised pollution levels to alarming highs.

Investigation and Findings

Activist Sudhir Kumar Pandey initially filed an application in NGT regarding the growing concerns. Responding to the allegations, NGT formed a joint committee involving the Chhattisgarh Environment Protection Board, Raigarh, Sarangarh-Bilaigarh Collector, and the Ministry of Forest and Climate Change. The committee’s primary responsibility was to assess the mining leases’ legitimacy and the physical state of the dolomite mines. Companies such as Shubh Minerals, Harsh Minerals, and Baba Baijnath Minerals, among others, were investigated, with documentation also sought from the Mineral Department.

Grassroot Involvement and Petitioner’s Demands

Unaccounted and haphazard mining operations have involved local villagers, manipulated into becoming part of mining mafias by the crusher operators. These operations not only exploit local resources but also burden villagers, who use their tractors for transportation. The petitioner has called for the cancellation of leases to illegal miners, imposition of fines, and accountability for government departments. Drone investigations to accurately map the mining activities have also been recommended.

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What Lies Ahead

With the submitted report’s impending review, expectations are high for stringent corrective actions from NGT. The illicit mining of dolomite and limestone has evolved into an “incurable disease,” as described by local activists. As the hearing is set for next week, stakeholders are eagerly waiting to see if the judicial body will finally impose the much-needed regulations to curb this environmental menace.