NGT Takes Action on Illegal Soil Excavation in Balangir, Odisha
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), East zone bench, has issued formal notices to multiple authorities in response to a petition concerning unauthorized soil excavation in Balangir district, Odisha. This legal move aims to address environmental violations and seek penalties for the illicit activities.
Petition Details and Allegations
The petition was filed by local resident Mrutyunjay Pradhan, who alleges that a private party conducted illegal soil excavation in Gangasagar mouza under Patnagarh tehsil. According to the complaint, this excavation was carried out without obtaining the necessary environmental clearance or permissions from competent authorities. The petitioner further claims that the primary motive behind this activity was to alter the land use for real estate development purposes.
Environmental Impact and Official Findings
The indiscriminate lifting of earth has reportedly caused significant damage to adjoining agricultural lands, leading to hardships for neighboring plot owners. An inspection conducted by the district mining officer of Balangir on June 19, 2025, revealed that approximately 14,580 cubic metres of soil had been excavated in an unauthorized manner. Based on this finding, the officer assessed a penalty of Rs 29,67,030 for the violations.
Legal Proceedings and Notices
The tehsildar of Patnagarh also issued a demand notice regarding the illegally excavated soil. However, during the service of this notice, it was discovered that the land was recorded in the name of the private party's wife, who has since passed away. Consequently, authorities have issued notices to the legal heirs for the recovery of the demand amount.
The matter was heard by the NGT bench on February 12, with the order being uploaded on February 21. Advocates Sankar Prasad Pani and Ashutosh Padhy represented the petitioner during the proceedings.
NGT Bench Observations and Orders
The bench, comprising Judicial Member Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member Ishwar Singh, noted that the averments in the application raise substantial questions relating to the environment under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. In their observation, the bench stated: "Prima-facie, the averments made in the application raise substantial questions relating to environment arising out of the implementation of the enactments of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. In view of the above, notice is ordered to be issued to the respondents. Responses by respondents may be filed within one month. List on 02.04.2026 for further consideration."
Notices Issued to Authorities
Notices have been formally issued to the following respondents:
- Chief Secretary, Odisha Government
- District Collector, Balangir
- Member Secretary, Odisha State Pollution Control Board
- Member Secretary, State Environment Impact Assessment Authority
- Tehsildar, Patnagarh
- Mining Officer (Minor Mineral), Balangir Circle
- The concerned private party
This case highlights ongoing efforts to enforce environmental regulations and protect land from unauthorized exploitation in Odisha.
