Green tribunal orders builder to stop mining near wildlife sanctuary, shut hotmix plant

BHOPAL: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered influential Madhya Pradesh builder Dilip Suryavanshi's company, Dilip Buildcon, to stop mining operations in the vicinity of the wildlife sanctuary in Ratlam district. The tribunal has also asked the company to shut its hotmix plant immediately.
The company was awarded the contract to construct 87.77 km road in Ratlam district of the state by Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation Limited Bhopal (MP).
A local NGO moved NGT, claiming the company was using explosives for mining and operating the mixing plant, posing a threat to the endangered bird species in the Sailana-Kharmor sanctuary.
Company officials submitted an affidavit that no mining activity was being carried out in the region. However, NGOs contended the submission.
NGT asked district forest officer (DFO) to submit a fact-finding report on the issue before the next hearing schedule on July 23. An explanation has also been sought from the authorities of Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC).