Ranchi/Kolkata: On the petition filed for a complete ban on illegal mining, crusher, transportation and storage operating on the historic Rajmahal hill in Sahibganj district.
The hearing was held in the National Green Tribunal (NGT). During the hearing, Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board told the tribunal in its affidavit that an environmental compensation fine of Rs 1 billion twenty six lakh fifty five thousand four hundred sixty has been imposed on the stone traders of the district. In which a total of Rs 97 lakh 25 thousand 624 has been recovered. 120 stone traders have applied to the Pollution Board for reconsideration of the fine amount and 11 stone traders have filed a writ in the Jharkhand High Court.
Pollution Board found the tribunal guilty. It was also told that till now 73 CTOs have been cancelled. 34 FIRs have been lodged in connection with illegal business, and 558 vehicles have been seized. Along with this, DC Court has collected a fine of Rs 9 crore 78 lakh. 22 crushers have been sealed and demolished.
The Pollution Board also told the court that CAA QMS boards have been installed in Sakargali, Mahadevganj, Demba and Mirza Chowki and Rs 6 crore has been provided to the DC of the district for environmental restoration. Expressing dissatisfaction with the affidavit of the Pollution Board, the Tribunal ordered the Member Secretary of the Pollution Board to file a new affidavit within four weeks in which it should be told how much environmental compensation fine has been imposed on which stone traders and how much has been paid by which people.