NEWS – The Supreme Court ruled that mining within a one-kilometer radius of a critical tiger habitat is a violation of its previous order from April 26, 2023

HIGHLIGHTS

• Prohibition: The court directed the Rajasthan government to immediately prohibit mining activities within this radius around the Sariska Tiger Reserve.
• Compliance: Instructions were given to formulate a closure plan or take necessary steps to comply with the court’s orders.
• Legal Background: This case is part of the TN Godavarman case pending since 1995, addressing mining activities near the Sariska tiger reserve.
• Violation: The court learned about 110 mines operating within the prohibited area, contravening previous decisions prohibiting mining near protected areas.

Clarification by Rajasthan Government Regarding Mining Prohibition:

• Legal Scope: The Rajasthan government clarified that the mining prohibition order issued in April 2023 applied to eco-sensitive zones around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries but not to tiger reserves.

SARISKA TIGER RESERVE

• Establishment: Sariska was initially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955, later designated as a tiger reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger for Bengal tiger conservation.
• Historical Significance: It features ancient temples, forts, and the Kankarwadi fort, known for imprisoning Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s brother.
• Cultural Heritage: Home to the Pandupole temple associated with Hindu epic Mahabharata’s legends.
• Flora and Fauna: Rich biodiversity with Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, Nilgai, Sambar deer, chital, and diverse bird species.