Bhubaneswar, Nov. 30 -- The National Green Tribunal's (NGT) Eastern Zone Bench in Kolkata has imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the Collector-cum-District Magistrate of Jajpur for failing to submit a mandated joint committee report on alleged illegal stone mining at Bajabati hill under Dharmasala tehsil, despite earlier directions and a field inspection by NGT-appointed officials.

In its order dated earlier this month, the NGT observed that a Joint Committee formed under its directions on 25 September 2025 had been given one month to conduct a field inquiry and file its findings.

The Collector of Jajpur was designated as the nodal officer responsible for coordination, with the Committee comprising officials from the District Mining Office,...