NGT Recommends ₹96 Crore Environmental Compensation for Excess Mining in Odisha Quarry

Bhubaneswar: A joint inspection committee appointed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has proposed an environmental compensation of Rs 96 crore for a private lessee involved in unauthorized mining at the Damanbhuin laterite stone quarry in Odisha’s Khurda district.

Last year, following a petition by Ajay Behera of Jankia, alleging illegal mining activities exceeding lease boundaries and approved limits, NGT’s East Zone bench in Kolkata formed the committee.

The petitioner also demanded criminal action against the lessee and tehsildar of Tangi under relevant sections of the IPC and the Environment Protection Act 1986.

The committee, comprising officials from the mining department, SEIAA, and Mines Directorate, conducted a thorough inspection and submitted its report to the Tribunal.

The report, submitted on April 18 along with an affidavit by SEIAA’s member secretary, Dr. Kailasam Murugesen, estimated the excess mining to be around 64,254 cubic meters, recommending a hefty environmental compensation.

In response, the NGT bench, led by Justice B Amit Sthalekar and Dr. Arun Kumar Verma, scheduled the next hearing for July 5. The private lessee has been granted time until then to respond to the allegations.