(a) Whether the Government has conducted any survey/analysis of environmental damage caused by illegal mining in Bundelkhand region during the period 2012-17;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the time by which an inquiry committee is likely to be constituted in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) to (c): No Madam. However, the MoEF&CC had received a complaint regarding illegal mining in Bundelkhand. The site was inspected by the Regional Office of the MoEF&CC at Lucknow. Based on the site inspection report, an order under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 was issued on 4th November 2015 to the Government of Uttar Pradesh directing them to immediately stop the violation of environmental norms on the site. As informed by Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, there is no reporting of illegal mining of major minerals during 2016-17. However, in case of minor minerals, 10188 cases including 2477 cases from Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh have been brought to the notice for illegal mining/transportation. Out of these, FIR has been lodged in 934 cases, court cases filed in 2228 cases and fine to the tune of Rs. 2873.65 lakh has been realized.
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