NGT told excavators seized, FIRs filed in Yamuna sand mining case near Narela

New Delhi: The sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) of Narela has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that excavators and other vehicles involved in illegal sand mining in the Yamuna floodplain were recently seized and FIRs registered against those responsible.

The submission was made in an ongoing NGT case on sand mining in the Yamuna, based on a TOI report titled “Illegal sand mining in Yamuna floodplain near Narela”, published on Nov 30, 2024. The report had highlighted rampant sand mining activity and the construction of a road across the river, calling for urgent and coordinated action by authorities in Delhi and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh.

The SDM’s report stated that officials are working in coordination with their counterparts in Uttar Pradesh to demarcate the inter-state boundary to remove jurisdictional ambiguity and enable effective enforcement.

It also noted that following directions issued earlier by the NGT, an inter-state task force had been constituted in Oct last year to curb illegal sand mining in the area. As part of follow-up action, a joint field inspection was carried out in March this year to initiate the demarcation of the Delhi–Uttar Pradesh boundary using a Total Station Machine (TSM) survey.

“It was further resolved that regular police patrolling shall be ensured by the police stations concerned and that strict legal action shall be initiated in cases of illegal sand mining,” the SDM stated. The SHO of Alipur police station was directed to conduct regular patrolling and register FIRs against those involved.

The report added that police have since registered an FIR and seized excavators and vehicles used in illegal mining activities.

According to the SDM, the boundary demarcation exercise is expected to be completed within six weeks, which is expected to strengthen enforcement and prevent further illegal mining in the Yamuna floodplain.
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