NGT Transfers Illegal Mining Complaint in Chhattisgarh to Bhopal Bench for Further Hearing

February 23, 2026 : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has transferred a case concerning alleged illegal mining and environmental damage in Chhattisgarh to its Central Zone Bench in Bhopal for further consideration. The matter was initially registered by the NGT’s Principal Bench in New Delhi after a complaint was filed through the Tribunal’s Public Grievances Portal.

The complaint was submitted by Sushant Gautam, a resident of Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district, who alleged large-scale illegal excavation in the mining lease area of village Didiya in Marwahi tehsil. The NGT treated the grievance as an Original Application and considered it under its suo motu jurisdiction in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling that allows environmental complaints received through credible sources to be examined by the Tribunal.

According to the complaint, mining activities in the area have allegedly exceeded the permitted limits and caused serious environmental degradation. The applicant claimed that excavation was carried out beyond the approved boundaries of the quarry and deeper than the prescribed safety limit of six metres. Heavy machinery such as JCBs, hydra cranes and blasting drills were reportedly used without adequate environmental safeguards or worker safety measures.

The complaint also referred to an inspection conducted on July 8, 2023 by the District Mineral Officer in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi. During the inspection, irregularities were allegedly detected and a show cause notice was issued to the concerned party in August 2023. Despite confirmation of environmental damage, the applicant alleged that no effective action was taken by the authorities.

It was further claimed that a significant mismatch was found between the permitted and existing mineral stock at the site. While the approved stock was stated to be over 46,000 cubic metres, only about 7,400 cubic metres were found during inspection, suggesting that nearly 38,800 cubic metres of material may have been extracted and transported without authorization.

The complaint highlighted several environmental and ecological concerns. The mining area is said to fall within forest zones that serve as natural habitats for wildlife, including bears, and forms part of the Marwahi-Kenda-Lormi elephant corridor. Continuous blasting, deforestation and heavy machinery operations were alleged to have disrupted wildlife movement and damaged habitats.

Local residents reportedly complained about frequent explosions causing cracks in houses and agricultural fields, while ponds and natural drainage systems were allegedly affected due to deep mining pits. The applicant also claimed that groundwater levels in the surrounding region had dropped by six to eight metres due to excavation activities.

The complaint further alleged violations of several environmental laws, including provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Chhattisgarh Minor Mineral Rules, 2015. It also referred to previous NGT rulings that prohibit mining without environmental clearance and hold district authorities accountable for illegal mining activities.

When the matter came up for hearing on February 23, 2026, no one appeared on behalf of the applicant and no supporting material was produced before the Tribunal. After reviewing the application, the Bench noted that the alleged cause of action arose within the territorial jurisdiction of the NGT’s Central Zone Bench at Bhopal.

Considering this, the Bench comprising Judicial Member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member Ishwar Singh directed the Registry to place the case before the Central Zone Bench on March 23, 2026, after obtaining necessary orders from the Chairperson for the transfer of the matter. The Registry has also been instructed to inform the applicant about the next hearing date and ask him to participate in the proceedings either physically or through video conferencing while submitting relevant evidence.

Case Reference : Original Application No. 110/2026; Sushant Gautam Applicant Versus State of Madhya Pradesh & Ors. Respondents