The National Green Tribunal has taken a stern stance against senior officials from Uttar Pradesh's mining department and pollution control board, holding them directly responsible for permitting illegal sand mining operations along the Ganga river in Kanpur and Unnao districts.
NGT Issues Strong Warning to UP Officials
In a significant development, the principal bench of the National Green Tribunal has explicitly warned senior officers of Uttar Pradesh's mining department and pollution control board about potential prosecution for their role in allowing illegal sand mining activities along the Ganga river. The tribunal's bench, comprising judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Dr Afroz Ahmad, examined substantial evidence revealing serious violations in the Kanpur and Unnao districts.
Leniency with a Clear Warning
The tribunal noted that the material on record clearly demonstrated serious violations that would typically warrant prosecution orders. Specifically, the NGT considered prosecuting the director of geology and mining for the Uttar Pradesh government and the member secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board for their failure to comply with previous tribunal orders.
However, in a measured decision, the tribunal opted for leniency this time, stating: "We consider it appropriate to take a lenient view and do not direct their prosecution at this stage."
Future Consequences Clearly Stated
The tribunal delivered an unambiguous warning to the officials, emphasizing that this leniency would not be repeated. The bench explicitly stated: "We forewarn them that, in case of any future non-compliance, we may be constrained to order the prosecution without any further leniency."
This decision creates a clear precedent for environmental enforcement in the region, putting officials on notice that future violations will result in immediate legal consequences. The tribunal's approach balances immediate enforcement with an opportunity for corrective action, while maintaining strict accountability for environmental protection along the Ganga river ecosystem.
