Panel to probe illegal sand mining near Marina beach

The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal issued the directions on an application filed by Selvaraj Kumar, based on a media report which stated that beach sand was being illegally mined from Marina beach at Napier Bridge, and tipper lorries were being used to carry sand from the river mouth.

The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a Joint Committee to probe whether any illegal beach sand mining was being done at the eco-sensitive zone in the mouth of Cooum river near Napier Bridge in Chennai, and to inspect the area during different times to ascertain if any illegal activities was going on.

The Bench issued the directions on an application filed by Selvaraj Kumar, based on a media report which stated that beach sand was being illegally mined from Marina beach at Napier Bridge, and tipper lorries were being used to carry sand from the river mouth.

Counsel for the State government opposed the applicant’s submissions, saying the allegation was mala fide. The counsel submitted that the government was very serious about protecting the environment, and no activity affecting the environment would be encouraged. The Tribunal, however, constituted a Joint Committee to ascertain whether any illegal mining is being done in the eco-sensitive zone, if any heavy vehicles, like excavators, earth removers and others, were being used for sea mining, even if by authorities. The NGT directed the authorities to seize the vehicles if they are parked in the eco-sensitive zone or impose appropriate penalties.