NGT Investigates Rampant Mining in Bageshwar District

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has demanded a response from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and other related bodies concerning unchecked mining activities in Uttarakhand’s Bageshwar district. This mining has allegedly created a Joshimath-like situation, causing cracks in homes and other structures.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has called for explanations from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and others over alleged rampant mining activities in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. These activities have reportedly led to a Joshimath-like situation, causing cracks in homes, temples, and roads.

The tribunal took suo motu cognisance of a media report that alleged ongoing mining in the area despite numerous complaints, thereby putting the entire region at risk. The report also noted the absence of safety audits or geological experts to evaluate the damage.

In a recent directive, NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmad emphasized the substantial issues raised regarding compliance with environmental norms, and named several respondents including the Dehradun regional office of MoEF&CC, the district magistrate of Bageshwar, and both the Uttarakhand and Central Pollution Control Boards.

The parties involved have been asked to file their responses by affidavit one week before the next hearing on December 11. Any respondent submitting their reply without a lawyer must virtually assist the tribunal.

(With inputs from agencies.)