NGT Examines Illegal Mining, Pollution Concerns Linked to Stone Crushers in Mirzapur

February 26, 2026 : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has examined allegations of illegal mining, environmental pollution and violations by stone crusher units operating in parts of Mirzapur district in Uttar Pradesh, following a petition filed by a local resident raising concerns about the environmental and public health impact of mining activities in the region.

The case, registered as Original Application No. 447/2024, stems from a complaint submitted by Sampurna Nand, a resident of Bhagoti village in Chunar tehsil. The petition alleged large-scale illegal mining and blasting in the hills surrounding villages including Sonpur, Bhagoti Dei, Biyahur and Chakjata. According to the complaint, mining operations were allegedly carried out without valid permits or blasting licences, resulting in severe environmental degradation, dust pollution and damage to residential houses in nearby villages.

Allegations of Illegal Mining and Environmental Damage

In his complaint to the tribunal, the applicant claimed that uncontrolled mining and blasting activities were being carried out day and night by operators extracting stone, boulders and other minerals. The activities allegedly caused thick dust clouds in the area and created tremors similar to earthquakes during blasting operations, leading to cracks in houses and raising fears of structural damage and accidents.

Residents also alleged that repeated complaints to local authorities had failed to stop the activities. The petition claimed that mining operations were continuing despite environmental risks, causing harm to public health and resulting in significant losses to the government due to alleged illegal extraction of minerals.

Joint Committee Investigation

Taking note of the complaint, the NGT constituted a joint committee in September 2022 comprising officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Directorate of Geology and Mining in Uttar Pradesh, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and the district administration of Mirzapur.

The committee was directed to inspect the area, verify the allegations and submit a factual report. During inspections, the committee identified multiple stone crusher units operating in the region and reviewed their compliance with environmental regulations and consent conditions issued by the pollution control authorities.

According to the committee’s findings, 26 stone crusher units were operating across the affected villages. The investigation revealed several compliance issues, including expired or revoked pollution control approvals in some cases and inadequate dust suppression measures at many crusher sites. The committee also observed that most stone crushers were not properly sprinkling water to control dust emissions and had insufficient green belt development around their premises.

The report noted that heavy dust emissions from mining and crushing activities were affecting surrounding vegetation and could pose health risks to nearby residents. It also found that some mining operations were located close to the Jargo Dam, an irrigation reservoir that supplies water to agricultural land in the area, raising concerns about the potential impact of blasting on the dam’s stability.

Compliance Review of Individual Units

As part of the proceedings, the tribunal directed authorities to verify compliance by each stone crusher unit separately. One of the units examined in detail was operated by M/s PNC Infratech Ltd. (now A.H.V.C. Infra LLP) in Sonpur village.

Initial inspections found several deficiencies, including incomplete covering of crushers and conveyor belts, inadequate dust suppression systems and insufficient green belt development. The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board recommended revocation of the unit’s consent to operate and the imposition of environmental compensation for violations.

Subsequent inspections conducted by UPPCB officials reported that the company installed pollution control equipment, water sprinklers and anti-smog mechanisms to reduce dust emissions. The pollution control board later stated that environmental compensation had been imposed for earlier violations and that the unit had taken steps to comply with environmental norms.

Continued Monitoring Ordered

The tribunal reviewed several status reports and affidavits filed by the UPPCB regarding compliance with environmental guidelines issued by both the state pollution control board and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

NGT noted that earlier reports lacked detailed verification of compliance with location criteria, green belt requirements and other environmental safeguards prescribed for stone crusher units. The tribunal therefore directed the pollution control authorities to conduct additional inspections, submit detailed compliance reports and provide supporting photographs and videography of the sites.

Further inspections confirmed the installation of pollution control systems, green belt plantation and dust suppression equipment at the stone crusher site under scrutiny. Authorities also confirmed that environmental compensation had been recovered from the operator for past violations.

Correction Order Issued

In February 2026, the tribunal issued a correction order addressing minor clerical errors in its earlier judgment dated January 29, 2026. The correction clarified references to the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board and corrected typographical omissions in certain paragraphs of the judgment.

The case highlights ongoing concerns over mining practices and environmental compliance in parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, particularly where stone crushing and mining operations operate near residential areas and critical water infrastructure.

Case Reference : Original Application No. 447/2024: Sampurna Nand (Applicant) vs. PNC Infratech Ltd. & Others (Respondents); Counsels – Applicant appeared in person (through VC); for Respondent No. 1: Mr. Ajit Sharma, Mr. Kanchan Kumar, Mr. Lareb Habib Ansari, Mr. Yuvraj Singh and Mr. Anant Ram Mishra; for Respondent Nos. 2 & 3: Mr. G. I. C. George and Mr. Sunil Kumar; for Respondent No. 4: Mr. Pradeep Misra and Mr. Daleep Dhyani.