NGT imposed fine of over Rs.150 Crores as environmental compensation to 133 stone quarry operating in Meghalaya
GUWAHATI- National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed fine of over Rs. 150 Crores as environmental compensation to be recovered from 133 stone quarry/crushers/miners units for illegally operating in the State of Meghalaya.
In an application filed by Jitul Deka before National Green Tribunal (NGT), Govt. of Meghalaya in the report submitted before Tribunal disclosed that they have imposed cost amounting to Rs. 1,53,27,44,063/- as environmental compensation to be recovered from 133 stone quarry units situated in the State of Meghalaya . Recovery of the said amount is under process stated in the Report.
Jitul Deka by way an application being OA No. 48 of 2019 approached the NGT alleging inter-alia that because of illegally massive earth cutting and extraction stones, sand dust /residuary blocked the drainage system near Khanapara area of Guwahati i.e the entrance of Guwahati City causing artificial flood in Guwahati. In the said application, Deka alleges that the Stone Mafia are activity destroying the environment and ecological balance with help of officials of the State of Meghalaya.
Taking cognizance on the said application of Deka, NGT directed the Meghalalya Govt. to conduct an enquiry and submit report before the Tribunal. In compliance of the same, the Secretary to the Govt. of Meghalaya, Forest and Environment Dept. Dr. C Manjunatha submitted status report before the Tribunal and accepted that the allegation are appeared to be true and imposed Rs. 1,53,27,44,063/- as environmental compensation to be recovered from 133 stone quarry/crushers/miners units operating illegally in the State of Meghalaya.
In the said report it is stated that total 133 stone quarry/crushers are operated illegally in the State and notices were issued to these units and recovery of environmental compensation from these units are under process.
Deka is also proposing to file application before NGT seeking closure of these 133 crushers/stone quarry/miners operating illegally in the State of Meghalaya.
