Rs 409 cr fine imposed on NTPC for illegal mining in Jharkhand

Aksheev Thakur

New Delhi, July 21

Mine developer-cum-operator Thriveni-Sainik Mining Private Limited, which was entrusted with National Thermal Power Corporation’s (NTPC) coal mining project in Hazaribagh, illegally carried out operations on 156 hectares of forest land and also changed the direction of Dumuhana stream without prior approval, according to a report of the Union Environment Ministry.

An advisory committee of the ministry has imposed a fine of Rs 409 crore (Rs 409,49,10,300) on the NTPC for the violation. In this regard, the Jharkhand Government had imposed a penalty of Rs 857 crore on the NTPC. However, the corporation has sought a waiver of the fine from the ministry. The Centre has asked the Jharkhand Government to give a detailed response on the issue.

The ministry had approved the mining proposal on the condition that not only the stream will be protected, but a greenbelt also be developed along its sides.

While the Jharkhand Government, earlier this year, had in its report to the ministry said illegal mining was carried out only on 37.20 hectares of forest land, the regional office of the ministry said the area impacted was 156 hectares.

The advisory committee said, “It was observed that in total disregard for the conditions of approval, the user agency indulged in mining in the area and changed the course of the Dumuhana nullah, which was actually required to be protected as a green belt.”

The mining project faced stiff opposition from Hazaribagh villagers who were displaced due to it. In May 2016, there was a huge protest against land acquisition.

Changed the course of stream

In total disregard for the conditions of approval, the user agency (NTPC) indulged in mining in the area and changed the course of the Dumuhana stream, which was actually required to be protected and maintained as a green belt. — Union Environment Ministry