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Supreme Court of India · body

1998 DIGILAW 17 (SC)

T. N. Godavarman Thirumulpad: Environment Awareness Forum v. Union Of India: State Of J & K

1998-01-07

B.N.KIRPAL, J.S.VERMA, V.N.KHARE

body1998
Judgement JUDGMENT :- Taken on Board. 2. Learned amicus curiae states that he has been informed by Shri A. M. Khanwilkar, advocate that he himself saw large scale mining in forest area and reckless denuding of forests in villages Atri, Banjari and Panwari under Police Station Halia in District Mirzapur, which is in flagrant violation of the orders made by this Court from time to time. 3. Shri Anand, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, who is personally present, also informs us of illegal mining activity continuing in Doon Valley in spite of the orders made by this Court to prevent that illegal activity. These are matters which require urgent directions after ascertaining full facts. For this purpose we appoint a Committee consisting of Shri A. M. Khanwilkar and Shri Gopal Singh, advocates of this Court and an officer of the Ministry of Environment to be nominated by the Secretary. The Committee is requested to immediately visit those villages in Mirzapur District as well as the Doon Valley and to submit its report at the earliest. In the first instance, the expenses for the visits of the Committee would be incurred by the Government of India which will also make all the necessary arrangements. The directions to the Government of U. P. to pay the amount so spent would be made later. The District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police will render all assistance needed by this Committee for the performance of its task. 4. If the above allegations be true, it is indeed surprising that the Government of U. P. has not taken the preventive action so far. The Government of U. P. must report on affidavit of an officer of the rank not lower than Secretary to the Government the factual position as well as the action, if any, taken by the Government of U. P. so far. This be done by 12-1-1998. 5. List on 13-1-1998. Order accordingly.