Supreme Court Ban on Mining Near Wildlife Sanctuaries
The Supreme Court of India has imposed a ban on mining activities within a one kilometer radius of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. This decision was made to protect wildlife from the hazardous effects of mining.
Key Details of the Ruling
- Context: The ruling was issued during a consideration of pleas related to the Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary (SWL) and the Sasangdaburu Conservation Reserve (SCR) in Jharkhand.
- Judicial Bench: The decision was made by a bench consisting of Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran.
- Pan-India Implication: Although similar restrictions were previously applied in Goa, the Supreme Court extended this directive nationwide.
Directions to the Jharkhand Government
- Notification of Wildlife Sanctuary: The Jharkhand government is instructed to officially notify the region as a wildlife sanctuary.
- Protection of Rights: The court emphasized safeguarding the rights of tribals and forest dwellers under the Forest Rights Act.
- Public Awareness: It was highlighted that the state government should publicize the protections widely.
Background and Proposals
- Ecological Importance: The court previously urged the declaration of the Saranda region as a reserve forest due to its ecological richness.
- Proposed Area for Sanctuary: The Jharkhand government plans to notify 57,519.41 hectares as a wildlife sanctuary, an increase from the initial proposal of 31,468.25 hectares.
