ORDER

1. This OA is registered on the basis of the news item titled "Rohtas mei avaidh baalu khanan ke khilaaf karyavai, SDM ne 6 Haiwa ko kia jabt" appearing in ETV Bharat dated 06.02.2024.

2. The news relates to the alleged illegal sand mining at Rohtas District of Bihar and it has been disclosed that the SDM has seized six Haiwas trucks in connection with sand mining at Rohtas while taking action against the sand mining mafia. The news item also mentions that action has been taken by the authorities on receipt of intimation about illegal sand mining.

3. The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental norms.

4. Power of the Tribunal to take up the matter suo-motu has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.

5. On advance notice, a factual report on behalf of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) has been filed stating that six Haiwas (dumpers) which were carrying sand were intercepted during the night patrolling since water was dipping from them and the drivers had produced transport challans and other documents, permit