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NGT: Encroachment, Pollution and Illegal Mining of Damodar River, Bokaro, Jharkhand.
National Green Tribunal (NGT) in its Order dated 17/09/2019 in the matter of Residents of Pichhari Panchayat, District Bokaro V. State of Jharkhand by Hon’ble Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel (Chairman), Hon’ble Justice S.P Wangdi (Judicial Member), Hon’ble Justice K. Rama Krishnan (Judicial Member) and Hon’ble Dr. Nagin Nanda (Expert Member) regarding encroachment and pollution of Damodar River by Management of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) at District Bokaro, Jharkhand.
The complaint was filed by the Applicant in the form of a letter on 15/04/2019. Tribunal considers this complaint as an application. The applicant alleged that encroachment and pollution are caused by the management of Central Coalfield Limited (CCL) in Damodar River in Bokaro District of State of Jharkhand. He also alleged that there is illegal mining going on and several trees have been cut which has resulted in the diversion of the river. Tribunal Order the District magistrate to investigate the matter and take appropriate action and file reports with two months.
Following the Order date 15/04/2019 of National Green Tribunal (NGT), the report was submitted by the District Magistrate, Bokaro and the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) on 30/07/2019 stated that:-
- It was observed that the Mines and Over Burden (OB) dump area is situated nearby the Central Coalfield Limited (CCL) pump house which is by the side of River at Pichri.
- After the operation, the Over Burden (OB) dump has been placed near the old dump only which is by the side of the river.
- The length of the old Over Burden (OB) dump along the river is approx 500 mts and has encroached the river bed approx 25-30 mts.
- Due to the aforementioned Over Burden (OB) dump, there is the possibility of scouring in the opposite bank of the river because as per the Revenue map the river bends near the dumping area only.
The report also stated that a show-cause notice has been issued proposing cancellation of consent to operate and recovery of environmental compensation. The Tribunal directs the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) to furnish a further action report within a month.
The case is listed for further consideration of 08/11/2019.
