( 1 ) ON 23/3/1998, we had directed the learned counsel for the State of U. P. to produce the report sent by Pragya Ram Misra, Chief Development Officer to the District Magistrate along with an affidavit/report disclosing what action, if any, was taken on that report. Mr Goel has filed the report of the District Magistrate in Hindi with its English translation.

( 2 ) IN the report the steps taken by the District Magistrate in her capacity as the court Commissioner to seize various equipment s used in illegalmining, vehicles, i. e. , trucks, tractors, camels, etc. , and materials obtained from illegal mining, i. e. , stones, patia, etc. , have been detailed. In the report, the District Magistrate has also controverted the stand taken by Shri Pushpa Raj Singh in his affidavit filed in this court. We shall revert to that aspect later on.

( 3 ) FROM the various reports, affidavits and seizure memos Filed in this court a clear picture of the extent of illegal mining and the damage done to the hills and the forests does not clearly emerge. The picture is rather hazy and a lot of grey areas have been left. The deforestation and illicit mining has caused immense damage to the environment a