Quarrying activities : HC instructs
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 14 2020: The Division Bench ofHigh Court Manipur has directed the Chairman, Manipur Pollution Control Board, SP of Imphal West and the Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West to jointly cause a proper inspection of the area and ensure that no machinery are used in the river bed or other restricted places for quarrying of sand and stones.

The direction was given by Chief Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar and Justice A Bimol after the hearing of a PIL for the preservation of Thoubal River on December 9 .

Court heard A Mohendro, learned amicus curiae as well as N Kumaijit, Advocate General for the State respondents.

The Court observed that there is reporting of large scale unauthorized sand and stone quarrying in zones covered by the orders of this Court restricting unauthorized stone and sand quarrying.

In this regard, a news report with photographs is placed before this Court.

The Court order mentioned that A Mohendro will cause an inspection of the area indicated and verify whether the report published in some local English newspapers, which highlight the use of machines (poclain) for sand mining is correct.

If so, the authorities will be duty-bound to immediately seize those vehicles in terms of the direction passed by this Court.

It will apply to all restricted zones.

The Court also made it clear that if instances of sand quarrying is done in violation of the Court's order is re vealed, the officers of the Department of Manipur Pollution Control Board.

Forest and Environment, Govt, of Manipur, the Deputy Commissioner, Fmphal West will have to file an affidavit before this Court that there is no breach of the order of this Court order and they should specify the action taken against violators.

Accordingly, the Court directed the Chairman, Manipur Pollution Control Board, the Superintendent of Police, Imphal West and the Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West to jointly cause a proper inspection of the area and ensure that no machinery such as poclain, are used in the river bed or other restricted places for quarrying of sand and stone.

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