Environmental Law
National Green Tribunal – Northeast Zone Bench
2022
Landmark NGT Order Halting Illegal Sand Mining on the Brahmaputra
Challenge: A coalition of farmers and fishermen from Kamrup district approached us after years of illegal sand mining had destabilised riverbanks, destroyed agricultural land, and depleted fish stocks. Administrative complaints had gone unheeded for over three years. Our client group faced intimidation and lacked the resources to sustain prolonged litigation.
Outcome
The NGT issued a comprehensive order directing the immediate cessation of 14 unlicensed mining sites, ordered the district administration to file a compliance action plan within 60 days, and imposed environmental restoration levies. The order was subsequently cited in two subsequent NGT matters across the Northeast.
Lead Counsel: Shri Partha Pratim Medhi & Adv. Rajdeep Bora