The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a stern order to stop all illegal sand mining activities in the Yamuna riverbed located in the Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh. On March 24, 2026, the tribunal acted on a petition filed by Dr. Amit Kumar, who highlighted large-scale mining operations happening without the necessary legal permissions. The court has directed local authorities to ensure that no mining takes place until further notice.
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Major violations found in Yamuna riverbed mining
The investigation revealed several serious breaches of environmental safety rules in the villages of Nai Nangla and Manglaura. According to the petition, the mining project was running without mandatory documents like Environmental Clearance (EC) and Consent to Operate (CTO). The NGT noted that illegal mining must be dealt with sternly to protect the river ecosystem. The following violations were specifically highlighted:
- Illegal use of heavy machinery for extracting sand from the riverbed.
- Mining activities being carried out during the night, which is strictly prohibited.
- In-stream mining taking place, which causes direct damage to the water body.
- Failure to conduct the mandatory replenishment study every two years.
- Proximity of a police check post to the site, raising concerns about official oversight.
Joint Committee to submit report within three weeks
To ensure a thorough probe, the NGT has formed a high-level Joint Committee. This team includes representatives from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), and the District Magistrate of Shamli. The committee has been tasked with visiting the site, assessing the actual environmental damage, and identifying the persons involved in these activities. The committee is expected to file its status report within three weeks. The next hearing for this case is scheduled for July 3, 2026, where the tribunal will review the findings and suggest remedial and punitive measures.
