JODHPUR, April 24 -- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Rajasthan government and other authorities over a plea alleging illegal sand mining and environmental damage in the Khari and Mansi rivers, which originate in the Aravalli region and sustain livelihoods in Bhilwara, Shahpura and Kekri districts. The case was heard by a bench of justice Sheo Kumar Singh and expert member Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi at the tribunal's Central Zone Bench in Bhopal. The application was filed by Habib Mohammad over illegal mining in the rivers flowing through those districts. In its order, the tribunal observed that the main question involved in the petitioner's application is illegal mining and restoration of river Khari and Mansi. "The grievance of the applicant is conservation, protection and restoration of Rivers Khari and Mansi, which originate in the Aravalli hill region of Rajasthan and serve as a lifeline for the districts of Bhilwara, Shahpura and Kekri. The said rivers sustain the livelihood of a large agrarian population dependent upon agriculture and allied activities, and also hold religious and cultural importance, particularly at the Sangam Sthal situated at village Phuliyan Kalan," it noted. It further noted: "It is alleged that there is rampant and illegal sand mining being carried out by the respondent in gross violation of environmental laws and mining regulations. The respondent has destroyed boundary pillars, undertaken mining beyond permissible limits, and carried out unauthorised constructions, including installation of a weighing bridge and solar structures within the mining area, which is not permissible under the mining and environmental laws. The illegal mining activities have severely disturbed the ecological balance, natural flow and riverbed integrity of the non-perennial rivers Khari and Mansi, resulting in environmental degradation, groundwater depletion, and damage to agricultural lands and local livelihoods." The order cited a spot inspection report dated January 31, 2026, prepared with the tehsildar present, recording destroyed boundary marks and electronic solar infrastructure at the site. However, the tribunal observed that "no effective action has been taken by the authorities, reflecting complete administrative inaction." The NGT flagged a substantial environmental issue, issued notices returnable in six weeks, and formed a joint committee of Bhilwara district collector and Rajasthan Pollution Control Board nominees to inspect the site and report within six weeks. The State Pollution Control Board will coordinate....