NGT pulls up authorities for recovery of ₹79 L penalty in Doon mining case
Shimla, July 7,
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised serious questions over the recovery of environmental compensation worth Rs. 79 lakh imposed on multiple violators involved in illegal mining activities in Handakundi village, located in the Doon Assembly segment of Himachal Pradesh.
During a hearing on July 3, 2025, the Tribunal reviewed a report filed by the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board (HPPCB), which confirmed the imposition of fines based on challans submitted by the SHO of Manpura and the Mining Officer, Solan. However, the report failed to provide any clarity on the recovery process of the compensation, prompting the Tribunal to issue notices to four key officials seeking their response.
Those served with notices include the Member Secretary of the HPPCB, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Nalagarh, the Station House Officer of Manpura, and the Mining Officer of Solan. They have been directed to submit their replies by affidavit at least one week before the next hearing scheduled on October 10, 2025.
The case stems from a suo motu petition registered on the basis of a news item titled “MLA apprised of losses due to illegal mining in Doon Assembly segment,” published on September 8, 2023.
Earlier, the Tribunal had directed the HPPCB to act on a joint committee report confirming illegal mining along the Sirsa river and to initiate recovery of environmental compensation.
Despite action against offenders—including individuals and a private firm—who were found to have illegally extracted resources from the riverbed, the Tribunal noted that no steps had been taken towards actual recovery of the imposed penalty.
The matter now hinges on the affidavits to be filed by the concerned authorities, with the NGT making it clear that accountability cannot be evaded in cases of environmental degradation.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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