SC upholds NGT's stay order on sand mining in AP

VIJAYAWADA: The Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay an order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposing a ban on sand mining in AP.

A division bench comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Sanjay Karol heard the petition filed by the AP government challenging the NGT’s order.

After the state government entrusted the task of mining sand to JP Ventures, there were reports of the company flouting the norms of mining, thereby affecting the environment.

Following a complaint, the NGT appointed an expert committee to study the impact on environment due to mining of sand. It also directed the union ministry of environment and forests to carry out an inquiry on giving permission for mining sand from river beds using heavy machinery.

While refusing to stay the NGT’s order, the apex court also upheld the tribunal’s order imposing the fine of ₹18 crore.