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NGT slams MoEF for not submitting data on asbestos mining

The National Green Tribunal has slammed the Environment Ministry (MoEF) for failing to produce data related to asbestos mining in various states.

"MoEF is expected to know what is happening in the field of mining vis-?-vis the environment in the entire country," the green bench observed as MoEF Under Secretary could not submit data on asbestos mining from various state governments, mining departments and Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees.

"By shifting his responsibility cast on him (MoEF Under Secretary) by virtue of the order dated November 21, 2014, he ought not to have just avoided to remain present before us and sought his discharge from the compliance of order by merely tendering an affidavit, particularly when we have confronted with many mute issues in respect of asbestos mining nation- wide," a bench headed by Justice U D Salvi said.

The Tribunal also directed MoEF Under Secretary, C S Thakur, to be present on July 8 and produce complete records related to asbestos mining.

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