Ranchi, April 19 : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken cognizance of a violent attack on forest department officials in Palamu district and summoned several senior officials, including the Palamu Deputy Commissioner and the Forest Secretary, to submit reports within four weeks.
The attack took place on March 23, 2025, in the forested area near Basdih village under Sildag Panchayat in Chhatarpur block, where forest officials attempted to halt illegal stone mining activity. According to reports, a group of alleged stone mafia members assaulted the officials with sticks, rods, and axes, leaving at least ten personnel seriously injured.
In response, the NGT has made multiple authorities respondents in the case, including the Divisional Forest Officer of Medininagar, the District Mining Officer, and the Member Secretary of the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board.
“All named respondents have been asked to submit their reports on the incident within four weeks,” the tribunal stated. The next hearing is scheduled for July 4, 2025.
The incident has sparked concern over illegal mining operations in ecologically sensitive areas and the safety of government personnel tasked with enforcement.
