India, Feb. 6 -- Illegal mining in Mahanadi and Kharun rivers

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on February 4, 2026, ordered the constitution of a three-member joint committee to probe allegations of rampant illegal mining in the Mahanadi and Karun rivers. The court directed the committee to visit the place and submit the factual and action taken report within six weeks.

In addition, the NGT's central bench directed notices to be issued to the state of Chhattisgarh through the district magistrates of Durg and Raipur; the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board and the district mining officer, Atal Nagar, Durg Collectorate.

An application had raised the issue of illegal river mining using heavy machinery and motorboats in violation ...