Assam: NGT issues notices to Forest dept., PCBs over illegal mining in Guwahati

Guwahati:  The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken cognizance of allegations of rampant illegal mining activities in the Goshala Hill, Maligaon area in Guwahati, Assam.

Acting on a complaint filed by Gautam Singh, Deputy Chief Engineer/Estate/ Northeast Frontier Railway, the Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata of the NGT on September 24 sought response from Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, Assam, Divisional Forest Officer/Kamrup East, Guwahati, Assam State Pollution Control Board, Central Pollution Control Board, and State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Assam.

The tribunal has directed government agencies to file their counter-affidavits within four weeks.

According to the complaint, the illegal mining operations have been going on for the past two months, causing significant damage to the local ecology, disturbing the drainage pattern, and generating excessive noise pollution that is affecting nearby residential areas, including the Nambari Railway Officer's Colony.

Complainant Gautam Singh  further alleged that despite repeated complaints to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kamrup East, Guwahati and the PCCF Assam and HoF, no action had been taken to stop the illegal mining.

“It appears that the Applicant has made complaint to the Divisional Forest Officer/Kamrup East, Guwahati on 03.05.2024, copy of which is on record along with complaint letter dated 17.05.2024. It is also stated that one Sandeep Sharma Principal Chief Engineer of Northeast Frontier Railway, had also submitted a complaint dated 08.05.2024 (page no.12 of the paper book), to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, Government of Assam, in this regard but till date no action has been taken,” the NGT order issued by Judicial Member Amit Sthalekar and Expert Member Arun Kr Verma read.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 11, 2024.