New Delhi, March 19 – Supreme Court Cracks Down on Illegal Mining Near Sariska
In a landmark directive, the Supreme Court of India has ordered the Rajasthan government to appoint a nodal officer in Alwar district to monitor and address complaints related to illegal mining within one kilometer of the Sariska Tiger Reserve. The directive was issued by a bench led by Justice B.R. Gavai, emphasizing the need for strict surveillance in the region to prevent violations of environmental laws.
The nodal officer will be responsible for addressing complaints from local residents and other stakeholders. Additionally, the court has mandated that all complaints must be resolved within two weeks to ensure swift action against illegal activities.
Legal Recourse for Unresolved Complaints
The Supreme Court has further ruled that if complainants find their grievances unresolved, they have the right to appeal to the Rajasthan High Court. This provision ensures greater transparency and accountability in handling illegal mining complaints near the ecologically sensitive Sariska Tiger Reserve.
During the hearing, Shivmangal Sharma, counsel representing the Rajasthan government, asserted that no mining activities are being conducted within the one-kilometer radius of Sariska. He stated that strict surveillance measures are already in place to prevent such activities.
Petition Raises Concerns Over Mining in Protected Areas
The case was brought before the Supreme Court through a petition filed by Mosina, alleging that illegal mining continues within the one-kilometer radius of the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) of Sariska Tiger Reserve.
Key Allegations in the Petition:
✔ Mining operations are allegedly being conducted during nighttime to evade detection.
✔ High-focus lights and halogen lamps are being used for night mining activities.
✔ The ongoing mining directly violates the Supreme Court’s previous orders, which explicitly prohibit any such activity near protected wildlife areas.
These allegations raised serious concerns over the enforcement of mining regulations and the potential threat to the fragile tiger habitat in Sariska.
Supreme Court’s Strict Stance on Environmental Protection
The Supreme Court’s directive reinforces its commitment to protecting India’s wildlife reserves and critical habitats from illegal human activities. Sariska Tiger Reserve, one of India’s most prominent tiger habitats, has faced several threats over the years, including encroachments and unauthorized mining operations.
With this order, the Rajasthan government is now legally bound to enhance monitoring efforts and take stringent action against any mining activities violating conservation laws.
Implications of the Supreme Court’s Order
1. Strengthened Enforcement Against Illegal Mining
- The appointment of a nodal officer will ensure real-time monitoring and immediate action against any illegal mining activities.
- Complaints will now be resolved within two weeks, ensuring swift judicial oversight.
2. Increased Accountability of State Authorities
- The court’s directive compels the Rajasthan government to intensify vigilance efforts around Sariska Tiger Reserve.
- Any failure to resolve complaints will allow affected individuals to approach the Rajasthan High Court, ensuring greater legal accountability.
3. Protection of Sariska’s Tiger Habitat
- The Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) of Sariska is home to a significant tiger population and other wildlife species.
- Unchecked mining could lead to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and ecological imbalance.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.