Supreme Court bans mining within 1 km of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries across India
PTC Web Desk: The Supreme Court has ordered a nationwide ban on mining activities within one km of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, stating that such operations pose a serious threat to wildlife and the environment.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran passed the directive while hearing pleas related to the notification of Jharkhand’s Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary (SWL) and Sasangdaburu Conservation Reserve (SCR).
“It has been the consistent view of this court that mining activities within one km of protected areas are hazardous to wildlife. Though similar directions were earlier issued in the Goa Foundation case for the State of Goa, we find it necessary to extend this rule to the entire country,” the Bench observed.
The Supreme Court further directed the Jharkhand Government to formally notify the Saranda region as a wildlife sanctuary, while ensuring that the rights of tribals and forest dwellers are safeguarded under the Forest Rights Act. The state has been instructed to widely publicise this protection to avoid conflicts and ensure awareness among local communities.
The ruling comes amid a long-standing proposal to declare the ecologically rich Saranda and Sasangdaburu forest areas in West Singhbhum district as a wildlife sanctuary and conservation reserve. The Jharkhand Government, in its affidavit, stated that it has expanded the proposed sanctuary area from 31,468.25 hectares to 57,519.41 hectares to enhance ecological protection in the region.
- With inputs from agencies
