Kamal Ghorui
Jaipur: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed a joint committee investigation into alleged large-scale illegal sand mining and ecological damage in the Khari and Mansi rivers, while warning authorities of strict action if violations continue.Hearing an application, a bench comprising Justice Sheo Kumar Singh and expert member Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi took cognizance of allegations raised by applicant Habib Mohammad regarding environmental degradation and administrative inaction.Taking note of the “substantial environmental issue,” the NGT issued notices to respondents and sought their replies within six weeks. An official said, “It also constituted a joint committee comprising representatives from the Bhilwara district administration and the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board to conduct a site visit and submit a factual and action-taken report.”The tribunal directed that if illegal mining is found to be ongoing, the district collector must immediately halt operations, initiate prosecution, and recover environmental compensation. ”The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 20, 2026,” reads the order.The plea filed reads that the Khari and Mansi rivers, originating from the Aravalli Hills, serve as a lifeline for agrarian communities in Bhilwara, Shahpura, and Kekri. Apart from sustaining agriculture and livelihoods, the rivers also hold cultural and religious importance, particularly at the Sangam Sthal in Phuliyan Kalan village. “Rampant illegal sand mining has been carried out in gross violation of environmental and mining laws,” alleged the applicant.Allegations include destruction of boundary pillars, mining beyond permissible limits, and unauthorized installations, including a weighbridge and solar structures within the mining area.The tribunal noted that such activities have disrupted the ecological balance of the non-perennial rivers, damaging riverbeds, altering natural flow, and leading to groundwater depletion and loss of agricultural productivity.A spot inspection report dated January 31, 2026, prepared in the presence of the local tehsildar, reportedly confirmed the destruction of boundary markers and illegal installations. However, the tribunal observed that no effective action was taken by authorities, indicating administrative lapses.
