Today, On 15th May, The Supreme Court halted mining operations in the Sariska Tiger Reserve. This decision aims to protect the fragile ecosystem and wildlife habitats in the reserve. The ruling comes after concerns were raised about the impact of mining on the environment and wildlife.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court, On Wednesday, issued a ruling to stop all mining operations in the vicinity of Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve.
The Court, comprising Justices BR Gavai, Sandeep Mehta, and SVN Bhatti, ordered a suspension of mining activities within a 1 km radius of the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) in the reserve. The State of Rajasthan directed to devise a closure plan and ensure compliance with the Court’s orders before the matter scheduled for further hearing in July.
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The Court’s ruling prompted by an application requesting the State of Rajasthan to cease illegal mining within a 10 km area surrounding the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. The application alleged that several mining companies in Rajasthan, violating the Supreme Court‘s directives pertaining to mining operations in the Eco Sensitive Zones, specifically the CTH areas of the Sariska Tiger Reserve.
According to the plea, these entities and individuals conducting illegal mining activities without obtaining the necessary approvals from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and without valid Environmental Clearance (EC).
This deemed a violation of the Court’s explicit instructions that had been issued over the years regarding mining activities in the Eco Sensitive Zones.
The mining association’s legal representation provided by Senior Advocate Atmaram Nadkarni, while Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati represented the State of Rajasthan. Advocate Parul Shukla appeared on behalf of the applicant, and Advocate K Parameshwar served as an amicus curiae, providing assistance to the Court.