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Delhi HC orders joint task force to combat illegal sand mining along Yamuna River

The Delhi High Court has instructed city police to collaborate with their Uttar Pradesh counterparts and form a joint task force to end alleged illegal sand mining on the banks of the Yamuna River in northern Delhi. Justice Prathiba M Singh addressed a petition claiming that illegal sand mining was occurring near the Yamuna River embankment in Hiranki village and noted that the culprits were exploiting the jurisdictional divide between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

Illegal sand mining, a lucrative business in India, has severe consequences on the environment and local ecosystems. The process of extraction can lead to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and damage to riverine ecosystems. Moreover, it can increase the risk of flooding and landslides in the affected areas. The rampant exploitation of natural resources has prompted the need for increased vigilance and stricter regulations to protect the environment.

The court highlighted the significant environmental impact and urgency of the issue, directing the joint task force to regularly monitor river banks and ensure proper pickets are posted to prevent illegal sand mining. The Delhi Police have lodged an FIR regarding the illegal sand mining, and the court has requested a fresh status report from the authorities.

In addition to the environmental concerns, illegal sand mining also raises questions about the efficiency and integrity of the current regulatory framework. The court expressed particular concern over a lease-deed between the District Magistrate of Ghaziabad and M/s New Penther Security Guard Services Prop Bani Sing, which permits the use of hydraulic excavators and CB machines for sand mining on the river bank.

The formation of the joint task force demonstrates a collaborative effort to address this pressing issue. By combining resources and expertise, authorities from both Delhi and Uttar Pradesh can work together to identify and apprehend those responsible for illegal sand mining, while also implementing preventative measures.

In response to the Delhi High Court's intervention, environmental activists and local communities have expressed hope that the joint task force will lead to a decrease in illegal sand mining activities. They also call for stronger regulations and enforcement mechanisms to protect India's rivers and the fragile ecosystems they support.

The Delhi High Court has urged the petitioner to cooperate in the investigation and assured him that no threats or coercive measures will be taken against him for filing the petition. The matter will be heard again on July 21, where further action may be determined.

In conclusion, the Delhi High Court's directive to form a joint task force emphasizes the importance of collaboration between authorities to combat illegal activities that threaten the environment. The initiative, which will monitor and prevent illegal sand mining along the Yamuna River, serves as a reminder that the protection of natural resources requires a combined effort from multiple stakeholders. Moving forward, it is crucial for authorities to strengthen regulations and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard India's rivers and ecosystems from the harmful consequences of illegal sand mining.

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