The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed a petitioner to first seek redress from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) or the mining department before taking further legal action regarding allegations of illegal sand mining in north Delhi’s Yamuna riverbed. The directive came during a hearing of a petition filed by the village chief of Jagatpur, who accused local sand mafias of extensive illegal extraction activities that have reportedly led to environmental damage.
The petition highlighted the creation of a check dam near Jagatpur and Burari villages, which has suffered structural issues due to the unauthorized mining. The complainant alleges that these activities have not only endangered the riverbed but also compromised the integrity of local infrastructure.
In its decision dated December 24, a bench consisting of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel emphasized the necessity for local authorities to first assess the “reality and extent” of the reported violations. The tribunal’s order permits the petitioner to file a detailed complaint, supported by relevant materials, to the member secretary of the DPCC or the secretary of the mining department.
