The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered an immediate stop to illegal sand mining in the Bawanthadhi River at Chikli village in Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh. The directive was issued on October 15, 2025, after the tribunal found that mining operations were continuing in violation of environmental laws.
The tribunal, led by Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Dr. Afroz Ahmad, directed the Balaghat District Collector and Superintendent of Police to take strict action to stop all illegal mining activities in the area. The order stated that no mining should take place in the leased zone until further instructions from the court.
The case was brought before the tribunal after a complaint filed by local residents, including Shankar Lal Lakhade, alleged that extensive illegal mining had been taking place in the river for several years. The complaint said that heavy machinery, including Poklen excavators, was being used to dig deep pits in the riverbed beyond the permitted boundaries.
The applicants said that pits up to 25 feet deep had been created, causing severe damage to the river’s natural structure. They also said that the uncontrolled mining had reduced the river’s water level and harmed the local ecosystem.
Following earlier hearings, the NGT had asked Wainganga Mining Works, the company holding the mining lease, to file its response. The tribunal noted that the company had failed to submit its report despite repeated extensions. In its latest order, the NGT granted the company one final opportunity to respond and imposed a cost of Rs 10,000 for the delay.
The tribunal reminded the authorities that, under Section 20 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, the “precautionary principle” must guide all environmental decisions. This principle requires authorities to prevent environmental harm even if all scientific details are not yet established.
In its order, the NGT also directed that a copy of the judgment be sent to the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police by email for immediate action. The next hearing has been scheduled for December 15, 2025, when the tribunal will review the progress of compliance.
Illegal sand mining has long been a concern in Balaghat district, where rivers such as Wainganga, Bawanthadhi, and Ghisri are major sources of sand for construction. Local activists say weak monitoring and the involvement of powerful contractors have made enforcement difficult.
With the NGT’s latest order, enforcement agencies are under pressure to show results. The directive is expected to bring temporary relief to the affected river system, but long-term recovery will depend on whether illegal operations are permanently stopped.
As the case returns to the tribunal in December, residents of Chikli and nearby villages hope that the river will finally get a chance to heal after years of unchecked mining.
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