No role in Punjab desilting, mines ministry tells NGT

Union ministry of mines told NGT it has no statutory role in regulating, monitoring, or approving river desilting in Punjab.

The ministry sought deletion from a petition challenging Punjab's river desilting projects, arguing jurisdiction lies with the state government and MoEFCC.

NGT stayed desilting operations in February 2026 over concerns of commercial mineral extraction without environmental clearance.

The petition challenged Punjab Water Resources Department's October 2025 auction notice for desilting in seven districts.

Petitioner Daljeet Singh alleged the extracted silt and sand were for commercial sale, requiring clearance under EIA Notification 2006.