Cleansing the mining sector
Meagre penalties (like Rs 50,000) have encouraged wanton destruction of the environment, and mining operations have often started even before "green clearances" were issued. Centre has taken a tough stance on the environment—it argued in court that operating without valid green permits (incl those with valid mining leases) was tantamount to illegal mining. The penalty for illegal mining is very severe.

Supreme Court agreed and followed it by imposing a hefty Rs 25,000 crore penalty on mining companies. It directed monies be put aside for welfare for those affected, esp tribal people. It said lessees had, "apparently destroyed the environment and forests, and perhaps caused untold misery to tribals in the area.” In turn, state govts should address legitimate concerns of the mining sector.

Polluter pays
Recent devastating Supreme Court ruling has imposed severe costs on polluters—but not on any owner that fits arbitrary criteria. It's not like the failed Delhi govt's odd-even scheme, where all cars were penalized but not owners of polluting trucks or diesel generators. If actual emission is the issue than banning a 10 yr old car is both illogical and creates unnecessary distress.
At last, India gets serious about companies flouting mining and environment laws