JUDGMENT

1. This Application is moved under Section 14 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, raising question related to environment arising out of illegal and unauthorized mining of limestone on large scale in districts Gir- Somnath and Junagadh in the State of Gujarat without any prior Environmental Clearance by respondent Nos.9 to 22 in gross violation of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, notified under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, praying that a direction be issued to respondent Nos.9 to 22 not to undertake mining of limestone without obtaining prior Environmental Clearance. It is prayed that respondent No.7 i.e. the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat and respondent Nos.9 to 22 be directed to disclose the source of limestone for which royalty has been deposited by respondent Nos.9 to 22 with further prayer that exemplary environmental compensation be imposed on respondent Nos.9 to 22 as well as cost also be imposed upon respondent No.2 - State of Gujarat and respondent No.4/Gujarat Pollution Control Board for not taking action against the defaulting parties.

2. The facts of this case, in brief, are as follows:-

The appli