National Green Tribunal Hears Tea Garden Threat Case
Summary
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) heard a suo motu case concerning threats to tea gardens from mining activities. The NGT granted additional time for the District Magistrate, Darjeeling, to file a reply and gave a final opportunity to the West Bengal Pollution Control Board to file its compliance report, warning of adverse orders.
What changed
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Eastern Zone Bench in Kolkata heard Miscellaneous Application No. 05/2026/EZ, stemming from Original Application No. 167/2024/EZ, which addresses a news item regarding threats to tea gardens from mining activities. The hearing on March 23, 2026, focused on compliance issues. The District Magistrate, Darjeeling (Respondent No. 4), was granted an additional four weeks to file a reply due to an officer transfer. The West Bengal Pollution Control Board (Respondent No. 2) was given a final two-week opportunity to submit its compliance report, with the NGT indicating that adverse orders would be passed if this deadline is missed.
Compliance officers should note the NGT's strict approach to compliance reporting and deadlines. The case highlights potential environmental impacts of mining on agricultural land, specifically tea gardens. Regulated entities, particularly those involved in mining or operating near sensitive agricultural areas in West Bengal, should ensure timely submission of all required reports and replies to regulatory bodies. Failure to comply, as demonstrated by the warnings to Respondent No. 2, can lead to adverse judicial action.
What to do next
- Ensure timely filing of all required reports and replies to the NGT and relevant Pollution Control Boards.
- Monitor ongoing proceedings for any specific directives related to mining activities impacting tea gardens.
Penalties
Adverse orders may be passed against Respondent 2 if compliance report is not filed.
Source document (simplified)
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News Item Titled Threat To Tea Garden ... vs Central Pollution Control Board on 23 March, 2026
Item No.08 Court No.1
BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
EASTERN ZONE BENCH, KOLKATA
(THROUGH PHYSICAL HEARING WITH HYBRID MODE)
Miscellaneous Application No.05/2026/EZ
In
Original Application No.167/2024/EZ
News Item titled "Threat to tea
garden from mining gang" appearing
in The Telegraph dated 12.06.2024 Applicant
Versus
Central Pollution Control Board Respondents
Date of hearing: 23.03.2026
CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE DINESH KUMAR SINGH, JUDICIAL MEMBER
HON'BLE MR. ISHWAR SINGH, EXPERT MEMBER
Applicant: Suo Motu
Respondents:Mr. Surendra Kumar, Advocate for respondent no.1 (physically in
EZB).
Mr. Sibojyoti Chakraborty, Advocate for respondent no.4 (through
VC).
None for respondents no.2 and 3.
ORDER 1. In compliance of the previous order dated 02.02.2026, respondent
no.4, District Magistrate, Darjeeling was supposed to file reply within a
short time, but the same has not been filed.
- It is apprised by the learned counsel that because of the transfer of
the existing officer, additional time of four weeks may be allowed to file
the reply.
We allow four weeks time as prayed.
The Respondent 2, West Bengal Pollution Control Board, learned
counsel had to file compliance report within three weeks, but it is not 1 found to be filed on record nor anybody is able to contact us through VC
because of some technical issues.
- We grant last opportunity of two weeks to file his report failing
which we will be passing adverse order against the respondent 2.
- Put up this matter for next consideration on 07.05.2026.
.........................................
Dinesh Kumar Singh, JM
..............................
Ishwar Singh, EM
March 23rd, 2026
Miscellaneous Application No.05/2026/EZ
In
Original Application No.167/2024/EZ
SKB 2
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