Can Riverbank Damage Go To NGT?

Answer:

Yes, riverbank damage can go to NGT if the damage affects river ecology, public safety, natural flow, soil stability, flood risk, aquatic habitat, or environmental balance. Riverbanks may be damaged by illegal sand mining, construction, dumping of debris, encroachment, cutting of vegetation, road-making, temporary mining ramps, heavy vehicle movement, or unregulated commercial activity.

Riverbank damage is serious because the riverbank supports the natural shape and stability of the river. If illegal activity weakens the bank, it may cause erosion, flooding, land collapse, loss of agricultural land, and harm to nearby settlements. It can also affect aquatic biodiversity and the river’s natural flow. Therefore, the case should not be framed only as land damage. It should clearly show environmental harm.

Evidence may include photographs, videos, satellite images, local complaints, mining complaints, revenue maps, flood records, and visible erosion. The applicant should identify the violator and the authorities responsible for prevention, such as District Magistrate, Irrigation Department, Mining Department, Police, Pollution Control Board, local body, or Revenue Department.

NGT can direct inspection, demarcation, stopping of illegal activity, seizure of equipment, restoration of riverbank, plantation, compensation, and monitoring. Section 15 of the NGT Act supports restitution of damaged environment, which can include restoration of damaged riverbank areas.