Punjab Mining Under Scanner: NGT orders immediate halt at 79 sites
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, June 10, 2026: In a major setback to the Punjab government, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered an immediate halt to sand mining operations at 79 locations across the state.
The tribunal took a strict view of mining activities being carried out under the guise of river desilting and made it clear that illegal commercial mining would not be permitted under any circumstances.
In its order, the NGT observed that large-scale mining activities were being undertaken without fulfilling several mandatory legal and environmental requirements, including Environmental Clearance (EC), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), District Survey Reports and replenishment studies.
According to the tribunal, the mining operations were being conducted in violation of the provisions of the EIA Notification, 2006, as well as the Central Government’s guidelines governing sand mining activities.
Second Major Action Against Punjab Mining Projects
This is not the first time the tribunal has intervened in the matter. Earlier, on April 2, 2026, the NGT had suspended mining activities at 85 sites linked to the Punjab government’s “Jis Da Khet, Us Di Ret” scheme. At the time, the tribunal had observed that commercial mining was allegedly being carried out under the pretext of disaster management and desilting operations.
Following that order, the state government reportedly floated fresh tenders for 79 new mining sites under a “no-cost” model. However, the tribunal has now stayed those projects as well, holding that the fresh arrangements could not bypass earlier environmental safeguards and legal requirements.
Environmental Concerns Raised
The NGT expressed serious concern over the environmental impact of unregulated mining, warning that excessive excavation could cause irreversible ecological damage.
The tribunal noted that unchecked mining activities can disturb river ecosystems, alter the natural flow of rivers and significantly increase the risk of flooding in surrounding areas. It stressed the need for strict compliance with environmental norms before any mining activity is permitted.
Petition Filed by Punjab Lawyer
The matter came before the tribunal through a petition filed by Punjab-based advocate Kuljinder Singh. The case was argued before the NGT by New Delhi-based environmental lawyer Natasha Garg.
Notably, Advocate Garg has previously represented environmental causes in several matters concerning Punjab, including petitions filed by Gram Panchayat Galhari, where she successfully argued for environmental protection and regulatory compliance.
The latest NGT order is expected to have significant implications for sand mining operations in Punjab and may compel the state government to revisit its mining policies and obtain all necessary environmental clearances before resuming any activity.irrigation needs and reservoir safety.