Sat Jun 21 14:13:44 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Former Haryana Minister Karan Dalal has written to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), accusing a “sand mining mafia” of large-scale illegal sand mining operations along the Yamuna River in several Haryana districts. He alleges these operations violate environmental laws and NGT guidelines, causing ecological damage through unauthorized excavation and deep pits in the riverbed. Despite previous complaints and FIRs, Dalal claims only “cosmetic actions” have been taken, and the core problem persists, enabling the illegal mining to continue unabated. He urges the NGT to take “urgent, firm, and exemplary action” against those involved.
**News Article:**
**Ex-Minister Alleges Rampant Illegal Sand Mining in Yamuna River, Calls for NGT Action**
**GURUGRAM, June 21, 2025** – Former Haryana Minister and senior Congress leader Karan Dalal has formally petitioned the National Green Tribunal (NGT), alleging widespread illegal sand mining operations along the banks of the Yamuna River in districts including Palwal, Faridabad, Sonipat, and Yamuna Nagar. In a detailed letter to the Tribunal, Dalal claims a powerful “sand mining mafia” is systematically plundering the Yamuna riverbed with impunity, violating environmental and legal regulations.
Dalal asserts that the unauthorized excavation goes beyond approved zones, with river boundary pillars being deliberately removed. Heavy machinery is allegedly used mid-stream, creating hazardous deep pits for illegal sand extraction. He points to previous instances where violations were noted by various departments, including the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee and the NGT.
Despite numerous complaints from local residents and environmental activists, Dalal contends that the response has been inadequate. “Only cosmetic actions are taken, such as the registration of a few FIRs, seizure of vehicles, imposition of token fines, or isolated ‘special raids’ — while the core structure of corruption and the mining mafia remains untouched,” he stated.
Citing data from Palwal, Dalal highlighted that 117 FIRs were registered and 188 vehicles seized between January 2024 and March 2025, yet only ₹7.48 lakh in fines were imposed, failing to deter the illegal mining activities. He urges the NGT to initiate “urgent, firm, and exemplary action against all individuals and entities involved” to stop the environmental degradation and hold those responsible accountable. The NGT has yet to respond to the allegations.
First Piper 