2019 (5) TMI 1970 - Tri - Indian Laws

Inconvenience with regard to retention of the demand draft against cost imposed upon him - HELD THAT - Undeniably there are a large number of illegal stone mines and crushers operating in the area which have now either been closed or at the stage of compliances for the pollution norms. Considering this, there is also the necessity to assess the environmental damages caused by the illegal stone mines and stone crushing units - List on 19.07.2019 for further consideration.

Summary

Issues: Environmental damage assessment and compensation for illegal stone mines and crushing units

In this judgment by the National Green Tribunal, the District Mining Officer was directed to deposit the imposed amount with the Central Pollution Control Board for environmental restitution and remediation. The Tribunal noted that there were numerous illegal stone mines and crushers in the area, some of which had been closed or were in the process of complying with pollution norms. It was emphasized that there was a need to evaluate the environmental harm caused by these illegal operations. The Tribunal instructed the Committee, comprising statutory and other competent authorities, to assess damages based on various parameters, including the minerals extracted, Net Present Value against ecological loss, ecological damage, and restoration costs. The compensation determined by the authorities was to be submitted for review on the next hearing date. The case was listed for further consideration on 19.07.2019.