The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has established a joint committee to investigate allegations of illegal sand mining along the Subarnarekha river in Balasore district, Odisha. This decision comes after a petition was filed by Sheikh Mujibur Rahaman and three other residents on May 19, highlighting environmental concerns due to unauthorized sand extraction. The committee will include representatives from the Balasore district collector, the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), and the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), and is expected to submit a factual report within four weeks. The petitioners allege that three private parties have been mining sand without the necessary environmental clearances and mining leases, despite complaints to local authorities. They express fears that continued unregulated mining could weaken river embankments and lead to significant environmental harm. The NGT has issued notices to various government officials and agencies, requiring them to respond within six weeks, and has scheduled further hearings for August 10, 2026.