NGT forms panel to probe ‘illegal mining’ in Khurda

Cuttack: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday constituted a high-level committee to probe into allegations of illegal mining at the Damanbhuin laterite stone quarry under Tangi tehsil in Khurda district and submit a report within three weeks.The NGT’s east zone bench constituted the committee after hearing a petition filed by Ajay Behera of Jankia alleging mining beyond the lease area on forest land and beyond the site prescribed.Advocate Sankar Prasad Pani alleged a lessee who was permitted to extract only 1,500 cubic metre of laterite stone from around 0.37 acres has been operating on 10 acres of land for which no quarrying lease has been granted. The bench of Justice B Amit Sthalekar (judicial member) and Dr Arun Kumar Verma (expert member) said, “Considering the allegations made, we deem it appropriate to constitute a committee, which shall visit the site and submit its report...”“In case violations are found, the committee shall recommend penalty as well as environmental compensation,” the bench further said.The tribunal formed a committee comprising a senior scientist of Odisha State Pollution Control Board, senior scientist, State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, representative of district collector (Khurda) not below the rank of additional district magistrate and divisional forest officer (Khurda).

Supreme Court set to have a permanent Constitution bench soon

The Supreme Court of India will now have a permanent Constitution bench of different strengths to handle matters referred to five-, seven-, and nine-judge benches. This decision comes in light of the 135 pending cases, including one related to the entry of women into Sabarimala temple, mosques, and agiyaris. The Chief Justice stated that this change would meet the intent of the Constitution's framers, who granted exclusive jurisdictions to the Supreme Court to deal with inter-state and Centre-state disputes and made its decisions the law of the land.

Inclusive participation advocated for RG Marathon 3.0 by Goa disabilities advisory committee member

A member of the Goa state commissioner for persons with disabilities advisory committee is requesting the participation of disabled individuals in the RG Marathon 3.0 event. The committee member argues that these events are typically designed for able-bodied individuals, excluding those with disabilities by not providing accessibility. The event is being organized by government departments, but it is in violation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. The committee member is calling for reserved parking, trained volunteers, accessible toilets, and equal recognition for disabled participants.

Tractor with illegally mined stones hits bike, 2 students die

Two students were killed and another injured when a tractor carrying illegally mined stones collided with their bike in Bhilwara district. The incident has sparked anger among villagers who have been complaining about the rampant illegal mining in the area. They accuse the government and local administration of turning a blind eye to the issue. This tragedy highlights the dangers and consequences of illegal mining activities.