The Tribunal has also requested the Commissioner of Police to provide an updated affidavit detailing the progress of the investigation, including the identification of those involved and information on the JCB reportedly used in the activity.

The Principal Bench of the NGT issued these directives while hearing a plea concerning illegal mining in Ghaziabad. It has tasked the District Task Force with visiting the site to ascertain whether illegal mining has been carried out by the project proponent or any other individual. The team must establish how the mining pit was formed, its precise dimensions, and the remedial steps necessary. The report is to be submitted by the District Magistrate of Ghaziabad prior to the next hearing.

Expressing concern over the investigation thus far, the Tribunal ordered the Ghaziabad Commissioner of Police to file an additional affidavit outlining the progress of the probe, specifically noting details of the persons involved, as well as the owner and driver of the JCB allegedly used in the illegal mining operations.

The Tribunal further directed that summons be issued to the applicant, Bittu, and local resident Mohsin, whose video recordings had been submitted as evidence, for recording their statements to confirm the authenticity of the materials presented.

The bench observed that despite earlier opportunities, several respondents had failed to submit their replies and granted a final chance to do so before the next hearing. Additionally, officials including the District Mining Officer and Additional District Magistrate, who appeared before the Tribunal, have been instructed to attend the next hearing with the relevant records.

The case concerns allegations of illegal mining activities violating environmental regulations. Earlier, the Tribunal imposed a ban on mining at the site, an order that was upheld after the Supreme Court declined to intervene. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on January 31, 2026.