NGT Orders Joint Probe into Illegal Mining Near Odisha Wildlife Sanctuary
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has mandated a comprehensive joint investigation into alleged illegal mining activities in Odisha's Khurda district. This decisive action follows serious claims that large-scale extraction of morrum and laterite stones has been conducted without the necessary statutory clearances, dangerously close to an ecologically sensitive zone.
Petition Highlights Environmental Violations
The NGT's east zone bench issued this order recently in response to a petition filed by Pratap Chandra Mohanty from Kendrapada district. Mohanty alleged that a "mining mafia" has been illegally lifting morrum and laterite stones from multiple locations, including Nial, Tangiapada, Aranga, and Madhupur under Khurda tehsil.
The petition further asserted that a thorough review of records from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) revealed no grants of environmental clearance or consent to establish or operate for such mining activities in Khurda and Jatni tehsils.
Substantial Environmental Questions Raised
Taking cognizance of these serious allegations, the bench, comprising judicial member Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Dr. A. Senthil Vel, stated: "Prima facie the averments made in the application raise substantial questions relating to environment arising out of implementation of the enactments specified in Schedule-I to the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010."
Consequently, the bench has constituted a specialized committee to meticulously verify these allegations and recommend appropriate remedial measures. This panel will include representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change's regional office in Bhubaneswar, the Odisha State Pollution Control Board, and the Khurda district administration.
Nodal Agency and Timeline Established
The OSPCB has been designated as the nodal agency responsible for coordination and compliance, with a comprehensive report required to be submitted within one month. Petitioner counsel Sankar Prasad Pani confirmed that the order, issued on March 17, was officially uploaded on Tuesday.
In addition to forming the committee, the NGT has issued formal notices to key state and district officials, including the chief secretary, district collector, mining and forest authorities, and police personnel. These officials are directed to submit their responses within a month, with the matter scheduled for further hearing on April 22, 2026.
Severe Environmental Damage Alleged
The petitioner highlighted extensive environmental damage, noting that the mining sites are adjacent to the Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary. He reported that "domestic and wild animals got trapped in the pits created due to mining," and emphasized that "the elephant movement is also disturbed as this used to be the pathway."
Furthermore, natural drainage systems have been severely blocked due to deep excavation pits, some exceeding 50 feet in depth. The plea also alleged illegal tree felling, stating that several mature cashew and acacia trees were uprooted without obtaining prior permission from forest authorities.
The petitioner pointed to alleged inaction by authorities despite multiple state guidelines and enforcement mechanisms specifically designed to curb illegal mining activities. This case underscores ongoing challenges in environmental regulation and enforcement in ecologically vulnerable regions.
