The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered a detailed investigation into alleged illegal sand mining activities in the Khari and Mansi areas of Rajasthan, taking serious note of potential environmental violations linked to extraction operations in the region.
According to the tribunal’s direction, a probe has been initiated to verify whether sand mining activities being carried out in these areas comply with environmental laws and mining regulations. The NGT has specifically sought clarity on whether the operations are being conducted in a legal and sustainable manner without causing ecological damage.
The case has been taken up following concerns raised over possible unauthorized sand extraction and its impact on the local environment, including risks to land stability, groundwater levels, and river ecosystems. The tribunal has emphasized the need to ensure that natural resource exploitation does not violate environmental safeguards or court-mandated guidelines.
The NGT has also instructed the formation of a joint committee comprising relevant state authorities and environmental agencies, which will inspect the sites, assess compliance with mining norms, and submit a detailed report before the next hearing.
Officials familiar with the matter said the investigation will examine whether environmental clearances were properly obtained, mining limits were respected, and whether any illegal excavation has taken place beyond permitted areas.
The tribunal’s move reflects its continued focus on addressing concerns related to illegal sand mining, which has been a recurring environmental issue in several parts of the country, including Rajasthan. Over the years, the NGT has repeatedly intervened in cases involving unregulated extraction of riverbed materials, citing serious ecological consequences.
The report submitted by the committee will play a key role in determining further action, including the possibility of penalties, restrictions, or suspension of mining activities if violations are confirmed.
The matter will be taken up again after the submission of the inspection report, with the tribunal expected to review compliance and decide the next course of action based on the findings.
