Illegal sand mining 'destroying' environment in Bhavnagar despite Green Tribunal order

Counterview Desk
Senior activists Rohit Prajapati Krishnakant of the environmental NGO Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti (PSS) have asked the Central government authorities to tell the Gujarat government to take immediate steps to stop illegal sand mining which is contaminating and degrading ground water, rivers, lakes, check dams, other water resources in the state's Bhavnagar distict.
In a letter to the secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Union of India, with copies to concerned officials of the Gujarat government, they says, the authorities in the state should ensure emptying of the check dams at Mithivirdi village, Bhavnagar district, filled up by the sand mining activities and these must be restored properly and immediately.
“It is distressing to inform you repeatedly that even after visit dated April 20 and May 7 by the representative of the district collector, Bhavnagar the sand mining continues as if they were given permission to do that and were assured protection of their illegal sand mining activities”, the letter says, adding, “Now the credential and power of the concerned authorities is at stake.”

The letter cites concerned authorities the National Green Tribunal (NTG) order dated February 26, stating there should be "compensation assessment for damage to the environment", insisting, "Unless tackled seriously, damage to the environment will continue."

Pointing towards the need for replenishment studies, mine closure plans, assessment and recovery of compensation, seizure and release of vehicles involved in illegal mining and other safeguards against violations", the letter says, the NTG order also talked of "grievance redressal, accountability of the designated officers and periodical review at higher levels" for this.

Pointing out that "sand mining is known for its rampant and illegal extraction of sand" in the Bhavnagar district's coastal areas which, in turn, plays "havoc with the ecosystems and local communities", the letter insists, "Local authorities should use drones to locate the illegal sand mining sites and even determine their quantities."

The letter concludes, "We expect your prompt and positive response in the interest of life, livelihoods, and environment. If you fail in your duties, you, as the concerned authorities, will be individually and collectively held responsible for the present and future dire conditions and be liable for any future legal and other consequences."

Comments

Unknown said…

એક તરફી સરકાર મા આવુ થાય છે

May 28, 2021

Workers' groups condemn Gujarat Ordinance increasing working hours, warn of statewide agitation

By A Representative At a consultation organised today by the Asangathit Shramik Hit Rakshak Manch at Circuit House in Ahmedabad, leaders of major trade unions and labour rights organisations strongly opposed the Gujarat government’s recent ordinance amending the Factories Act and the draft rules notified under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code, 2020. Around 50 representatives from central trade unions, independent unions, and labour welfare organisations participated in the meeting.

'Bengali Muslim migrant workers face crackdown in Gurgaon': Academic raises alarm

By A Representative Political analyst and retired Delhi University professor Shamsul Islam has raised serious concerns over the ongoing targeting and detention of Muslim migrant workers from West Bengal in Gurgaon, Haryana. In a public statement, Islam described the situation as "brutal repression" and accused law enforcement agencies of detaining migrants arbitrarily under the pretext of verifying their citizenship.

Deaths in Chhattisgarh are not just numbers – they mark a deeper democratic crisis

By Sunil Kumar For a while, I had withdrawn into a quieter life, seeking solace in nature. But the rising tide of state-sponsored violence and recurring conflict across India has compelled deeper reflection. The recent incidents of killings in central India—particularly in Chhattisgarh—are not isolated acts. They point to a larger and ongoing crisis that concerns the health of democracy and the treatment of marginalised communities.

The myth of population decline: India’s real challenge is density, not fertility

By N.S. Venkataraman* India’s population in 2025 stands at approximately 1.4 billion. In 1950, it was 359 million, rising sharply to 1.05 billion by 2000. The population continues to grow and is projected to reach around 1.7 billion by 2050.

How natural and organic farming can be a key to combating the climate crisis

By Raj Kumar Sinha* On July 9, while addressing the “Sahkar Samvad” in Ahmedabad with women and workers associated with cooperatives from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that natural farming is essential for both our health and the health of the soil. This is a significant statement in the context of addressing the climate change crisis. Natural farming can play a crucial role in combating climate change. Also known as organic farming, it is a system of agriculture that can increase food production without harming the environment. Natural farming has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 35% to 50%.

The GMO illusion: Three decades of hype, harm, and false hope

By Sridhar Radhakrishnan Three decades of hype, billions of dollars spent, and still no miracle crop. It's time to abandon the GMO biotech fairy tale and return to the soil, the seed, and the farmer. “Trust us,” they said. “GMOs will feed the world.” Picture a world where there is plenty of food, no hunger, fields grow without chemical pesticides, children are saved from malnutrition, and people live healthily.

Iran-Israel escalation: Shift in regional military dynamics, challenging the balance of power in Middle-East

By Raqif Makhdoomi On a night that stunned many across the world, sirens blared across Israeli cities, warning of incoming missile strikes. Buildings were damaged, civilians rushed to bunkers, and flames lit up the skyline. This time, the threat did not originate from Gaza—but from Iran. The April 2025 Iranian missile attack on Israel marked a significant moment in the broader Middle East conflict, challenging long-held perceptions of military supremacy in the region.

Indigenous Karen activist calls for global solidarity amid continued struggles in Burma

By A Representative At the International Festival for People’s Rights and Struggles (IFPRS), Naw Paw Pree, an Indigenous Karen activist from the Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG), shared her experiences of oppression, resilience, and hope. Organized with the support of the International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL), the event brought together Indigenous and marginalized communities from across the globe, offering a rare safe space for shared learning, solidarity, and expression.

From Kailasa to Lodonia: The business of inventing nations in India

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* This is the story of India—and the 'ideas' and 'imagination' that shape it. Some years ago, someone announced the creation of the 'United States of Kailasa,' a fictional nation 'founded' by Swami Nithyananda, who remains wanted in multiple criminal cases in India, including rape and murder. Remarkably, representatives of this fabricated country even managed to 'participate' in various United Nations events, including sessions of CEDAW in Geneva.

Search This Blog