NGT Forms Panel to Investigate Illegal Sand Mining in Rushikulya
CUTTACK: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered a joint investigation into claims of illegal sand mining and environmental violations at a sand quarry along the Rushikulya River in Ganjam district, directing key state authorities and regulatory bodies to respond. The NGT’s east zone bench issued the order during a hearing on a petition submitted by Tuna Das and Rajani Kanta Padhy on May 26, which highlighted significant irregularities in mining activities at the Bhimpur sand bed covering 10.425 acres in Purushottampur tehsil. The decision was published online on Monday. The petitioners requested the cancellation of environmental clearances and operating…