Delhi HC orders the creation of a combined task team to curb unlawful sand mining along Yamuna Bank.

NEW DELHI: In order to combat what is allegedly unlawful sand mining on the Yamuna River’s bank in the northern portion of the city, the Delhi High Court has ordered the city police to collaborate with their counterparts in Uttar Pradesh and establish a combined task force.

In the national capital’s Hiranki village area, Judge Prathiba M. Singh was handling a case claiming illegal sand mining. She noted that the mining was still going on there and that unfair advantage was being taken of the fact that parts of the land were in Delhi and some were in Uttar Pradesh.

The petitioner, Ravinder, asserted that the use of hydraulic excavators and dumpers was being used to conduct unlawful sand mining in the area, and he asked for instructions on how to put a stop to it.

The judge highlighted that illegal sand mining has significant negative effects on the environment and is an urgent matter. As a result, the judge asked the joint task force made up of officials from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh to regularly monitor the river banks and make sure that the proper pickets are posted to prevent any type of illegal sand mining.

The status report (filed by the Delhi Police) makes it abundantly clear that illegal sand mining is still occurring, and illegal act is being taken of the fact that some of the Yamuna River bank affected region by illegal sand mining is located in Delhi and other parts are located in Uttar Pradesh, the court noted in a recent order.

Given these conditions, it is mandated that the DCP of the concerned Outer North area, Ravi Kumar Singh, liaise with the relevant SSP of the Uttar Pradesh Police and establish a joint task team to make certain that the illicit sand mining on the banks of the Yamuna River is stopped.

While noting that it was “of enormous complaint” that the District Magistrate of Ghaziabad had reached a deal with an organization allowing the use of hydraulic excavators and JCB machines with respect to sand mining on the river bank, the court requested a new status report from the authorities.

The Delhi Police claimed that an FIR had already been filed in the matter involving alleged illegal sand mining and that the investigation was in its early stages. However, despite the petitioner making representations to numerous authorities, neither she nor the other offenders have cooperated with the investigation.

Two tractors and a tram were taken last month, and several people were also detained, the court was informed.

“Due to the significant environmental effects of illegal sand mining, the situation is urgent and of considerable concern. Additionally, the reference in paragraph 3 of the Status Report to a lease-deed between the District Magistrate of Ghaziabad and M/s New Penther Security Guard Services Of Bani Sing, which permits usage of hydraulic excavators and JCB machines, is extremely concerning to the Court “The court stated.

It stated that the “combined task force” will “frequently monitor the river banks and make sure that appropriate pickets are also set for stopping any form of unlawful sand mining.”

The petitioner was urged by the court to assist with the investigation, and it was made clear that no coercive or threatening actions would be done against him as a result of his filing the petition.

On July 21, the subject will be heard again.