ORDER

1. This Original Application is registered as suo motu on the basis of the news item titled "4 vaahan aur 2 JCB seaze, avaidh ret parivahan par karyavai" appearing in Bastar Prakash dated 29.01.2024.

2. The news item relates to alleged illegal excavation, transportation and storage of sand in Dhamtari District, Chhattisgarh and as per the disclosure made in the news item, the Mining Department has taken action for illegal excavation, storage and transportation of sand and have seized two JCB machines and 4 vehicles.

3. The news item reflects substantial issue relating to compliance of 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. The matter was taken up by the Principal Bench of the Tribunal and the Chhattisgarh Environmental Conservation Board was directed to submit the factual and action taken report and matter was transferred to Central Zon