NGT issues notices on plea seeking recovery of Rs 29.67L penalty for illegal soil extraction in Odisha's Balangir

CUTTACK: The East Zone Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notice to authorities on a petition seeking recovery of penalty and restoration of land allegedly subjected to illegal soil excavation in Odisha’s Balangir district.The petition, filed by local resident Mrutyunjay Pradhan, alleges that a private party illegally excavated soil from Gangasagar Mouza under Patnagarh Tehsil without obtaining valid environmental clearance or permission from the competent authority. The petitioner alleged that the excavation was aimed at changing the land use for real estate purposes.According to the plea, indiscriminate lifting of earth has adversely affected adjoining agricultural lands, causing hardship to neighbouring plot owners.An inspection conducted by the District Mining Officer, Balangir, on June 19, 2025, reportedly found that 14,580 cubic metres of soil had been excavated in an unauthorized manner. The officer subsequently assessed a penalty of Rs 29,67,030.The Tehsildar, Patnagarh, also issued a demand notice regarding the illegally excavated soil. However, during service of the notice, it was found that the land was recorded in the name of the private party’s wife, who has since passed away. Authorities thereafter issued notices to the legal heirs for recovery of the demand amount.The matter was heard on February 12, and the order was uploaded on February 21. Advocates Sankar Prasad Pani and Ashutosh Padhy appeared for the petitioner.Taking note of the submissions, the Bench comprising Arun Kumar Tyagi (Judicial Member) and Ishwar Singh observed: “Prima-facie, the averments made in the application raise substantial questions relating to environment arising out of the implementation of the enactments of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. In view of the above, notice is ordered to be issued to the respondents. Responses by respondents may be filed within one month. List on 02.04.2026 for further consideration.”Notices have been issued to the Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha; District Collector, Balangir; Member Secretary of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board; Member Secretary of the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority; Tehsildar, Patnagarh; Mining Officer (Minor Mineral), Balangir circle; and the private party concerned.