NGT Extends Interim Ban on Sand Mining in Goa Amid Legal Dispute
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has further extended its interim relief on the ban on sand mining in Goa, with the next hearing scheduled for April 23. This extension follows an initial ban imposed until January 28, which was prompted by a challenge from the Goa river sand protection network against 12 environmental clearances granted by state authorities.
Legal Proceedings and Penalties Imposed
During the hearing on January 28, the NGT imposed costs of Rs 50,000 on the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) for delays in filing its reply. In response, the GCZMA filed an intervention application, tendering an unconditional apology for the procedural lapse and submitting the required reply. Despite vehement opposition from the network, the NGT allowed the intervention application, setting the stage for further scrutiny.
Details of the Environmental Challenge
The network's appeal to the NGT seeks to quash the environmental clearances issued by the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority. It alleges violations of Supreme Court guidelines and a January 2016 notification from the Union environment ministry. Specifically, the appeal claims that permissions for sand extraction were granted in four river stretches without proper impact studies on the entire cluster.
One notable case involves zone 5 of the Mandovi river near Khandola in Ponda taluka, covering an area of 4.3 hectares. The plan permits extraction of 1,000 cubic metres per annum per permit using traditional manual methods. The appeal argues for cancellation of these clearances, as the area falls within CRZ IV-B, designated as a critically vulnerable coastal area where sand mining is prohibited under the CRZ notification of 2011.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
This case highlights ongoing tensions between environmental protection and resource extraction in coastal regions. The NGT's decision to extend the ban underscores the importance of adhering to regulatory frameworks and conducting thorough environmental assessments. As the matter progresses, stakeholders will closely monitor the April 23 hearing for potential impacts on Goa's ecological balance and legal precedents in similar disputes nationwide.
