NGT directs UPPCB to impose environmental compensation in Moradabad illegal sand mining case after attack on trainee IAS officer.

February 27, 2026 : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to complete proceedings and impose environmental damage compensation on individuals involved in illegal sand mining in Moradabad district of Uttar Pradesh. The case arose after a disturbing incident in which illegal miners allegedly attempted to run over a trainee IAS officer during an anti-mining operation near the Uttar Pradesh–Uttarakhand border.

The tribunal took suo motu cognisance of the matter based on a news report published in Hindustan Times on September 26, 2024. The report described how a trainee IAS officer posted as Joint Magistrate in Sadar Tehsil, Moradabad, faced a serious threat when a group of illegal sand miners allegedly drove their vehicle aggressively toward him while he was supervising an anti-encroachment drive targeting illegal mining activities in the region.

According to information placed before the tribunal, police seized two tractor-trolleys and a heavy earthmover at the site. Illegal sand mining has long been a persistent issue in the Thakurdwara region of Moradabad district.

In response to the incident, the Moradabad District Magistrate informed the tribunal that a First Information Report (FIR No. 0406) was registered on September 23, 2024, following the seizure of the vehicles involved. Investigations identified six individuals linked to the illegal mining operation. Among them, Furkan was arrested on September 27, 2024, while Naimuddin and Moinuddin were arrested on October 1, 2024. A charge sheet was subsequently filed on December 14, 2024.

Authorities reported that approximately 300 cubic metres of soil had been illegally excavated using tractors registered in the names of local residents. The investigation resulted in criminal charges under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.

The tribunal noted that once illegal sand mining had been established, it was the responsibility of the UPPCB to impose environmental damage compensation on those responsible. Although the pollution control board had issued show-cause notices in April 2025 to five project proponents holding short-term sand mining permits, the tribunal observed that no records had been submitted showing that environmental compensation had been imposed or further action had been taken.

The NGT therefore directed the pollution control board to complete the proceedings in accordance with the principles of natural justice and recover environmental damage compensation from the violators as per law.

The tribunal also addressed the issue of short-term mining permits issued by state authorities. It pointed out that such permits allowing sand extraction without environmental clearance had already been struck down by the Patna High Court in a 2024 judgment. That ruling was later upheld by the Supreme Court of India. The NGT directed state authorities to comply with these judicial rulings and ensure that mining permissions are not issued in violation of the law.

Additionally, the tribunal noted that three mining leases had been granted in the area with environmental clearances. It directed the UPPCB to conduct inspections of these leaseholders to verify compliance with environmental clearance and consent-to-operate conditions. If violations are found, appropriate action must be taken following due process.

With these directions, the tribunal disposed of the case on February 27, 2026.

Case Reference : In Original Application No. 1193/2024, titled “Illegal Miners Attempt to Run Over Trainee IAS Officer at U.P.–Uttarakhand Border” published in Hindustan Times on September 26, 2024, the respondents were represented by Mr. Amit Shukla, Mr. Amit Kumar, Mr. Utsav Pokhriyal, Mr. Utkarsh Pokhriyal and Mr. Atul Mishra, Advocates for the UPPCB; Mr. Ankit Verma, Advocate for the State of Uttar Pradesh; Mr. Narender Pal Singh, Advocate for the MoEF&CC; and Mr. Amit Singh Chauhan, Mr. Udit Chauhan, Mr. Ahmad Kamaal, Mr. Kuldeep Kasana and Ms. Vanshika Sharma, Advocates for the CPCB.