NGT Cracks Down on Illegal Sand Mining in Sindh River, Seeks Report in 6 Weeks

NGT Takes Strict Action on Illegal Sand Mining in Sindh River

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Zone Bench Bhopal, has adopted a firm approach towards the rampant illegal and mechanized sand mining occurring in the flow areas of the Sindh River in the Bhind and Datia districts of Madhya Pradesh. This action follows a petition filed by senior Congress leader and former minister, Dr. Govind Singh.

High-Level Committee Formed for Investigation

In response to the petition, the NGT has constituted a three-member high-level committee to thoroughly investigate this serious matter. Advocates Pulkit Godha and Mahima Singh, representing the petitioner Dr. Govind Singh, presented arguments before the NGT. They highlighted that illegal sand extraction is being carried out using heavy earth-moving machinery and suction-dredging boats in 18 villages of Bhind district and 6 villages of Datia district.

Grave Environmental Concerns Raised

The lawyers further informed the tribunal that this extraction is proceeding without any valid Environmental Clearance (EC) or District Survey Report (DSR). The extracted sand is being supplied extensively across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh without proper transit permits. The petition emphasized that the Sindh River is a crucial ecological component of the National Chambal (Gharial) Wildlife Sanctuary.

Ecological Crisis Threatens Wildlife

This region serves as a major breeding ground for crocodiles, gharials, Indian flapshell turtles, and rare migratory birds. According to the petition, the illegal mining operations using heavy machinery are posing a severe threat to the river's natural water flow and the survival of these aquatic species, creating a cause for significant environmental concern.

NGT Directs Inspection and Report Submission

Considering the gravity of the situation, a bench comprising NGT judicial member Justice Shivkumar Singh and expert member Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi has formed a 3-member joint committee. This committee includes representatives from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Department of Environment Madhya Pradesh, and the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board. The Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board has been designated as the nodal agency for this investigation.

Deadline for Factual Report and Next Hearing Scheduled

The NGT has directed the committee to conduct a direct inspection of the affected sites and submit a factual and action taken report to the tribunal within six weeks. Additionally, the tribunal has issued notices to all respondents, including the Government of Madhya Pradesh, ordering them to file their replies within four weeks. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for October 7, 2026.