Illegal sand mining in Sharavathi River

 

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently ordered the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the mines and geology department to stop all unlawful sand mining in the coastal zone of the Sharavathi River.

About the Sharavathi River:

1. Location: Western Karnataka state.

2. Flow Direction: One of the few westward-flowing rivers in India, with a significant portion of its basin located in the Western Ghats.

3. Course:

   1. Originates in the Western Ghats and flows northwest to the Arabian Sea at Honavar in the Uttara Kannada District.
   2. Length: 128 km, with a river basin covering 2,985 sq km.
   3. Forms the Jog Falls, one of India's highest waterfalls, with a drop of 253 meters.

4. Geological Features: Diverse geological features along its course, including rocky outcrops, fertile plains, and deep gorges.

5. Tributaries: Major tributaries include Nandihole, Haridravathi, Mavinahole, Hilkunji, Yennehole, Hurlihole, and Nagodihole.

Hydroelectric Power Generation:

The Sharavathi River is a crucial source of hydroelectric power in Karnataka, generating a significant 40% (or 1,469.2 megawatts) of the state's hydropower through seven existing dams and 5 tunnels.

National Green Tribunal (NGT):

1. Established under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010, the NGT aims to resolve cases related to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources effectively and expeditiously.
2. Comprising a Chairperson, Judicial Members, and Expert Members, the Tribunal follows principles of natural justice and is not bound by the procedures outlined in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.

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