CUTTACK: The National Green Tribunal (NGT)’s East Zone Bench has taken serious note of alleged environmental violations at Bajabati black stone quarry-2 under Dharmasala tehsil of Jajpur district.
Acting on a petition filed by local resident Urbashi Jena, the bench has directed the formation of a joint committee to investigate the matter and recommend remedial action.
The petitioner, represented by advocates Sankar Prasad Pani and Ashutosh Padhy, alleged that the quarry, spread over five acres, is operating in violation of environmental clearance (EC) and consent-to-operate (CTO) conditions. It raised concerns over unscientific mining practices, blasting within 200 metres of residential areas and lack of compliance monitoring.
The bench comprising Judicial Member Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member Ishwar Singh observed that the case raises substantial questions relating to the environment under Schedule-I of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
“In view of the averments made in the application, we also consider it appropriate that a joint committee be constituted to verify the factual position and suggest appropriate remedial action,” the order stated.
The committee will include representatives from the Jajpur collectorate, Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), deputy director of Mines (Jajpur), and the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). The collector of Jajpur will act as the nodal agency for coordination and compliance.
The committee has directed to visit the site, assess the allegations, engage with both the applicant and the project proponent, and submit a factual report with recommendations within one month. The next hearing is scheduled for November 18.