Illegal mining will stop near Sariska Tiger Reserve, SC allows the Government of Rajasthan for surveillance

The Supreme Court has allowed the Rajasthan government to appoint the Nodal Officer for monitoring illegal mining near Sariska Tiger Reserve. A hearing in this case was held in the Supreme Court on Wednesday. During the hearing, Justice BR A bench of Gawai and Justice Augustin Christ has given this special order to the Rajasthan government while hearing a petition related to illegal mining within a radius of 1 km of Sariska Tiger Reserve.

This nodal officer will monitor complaints related to illegal mining within 1 km from the border of Sariska Tiger Reserve and will be responsible for addressing complaints lodged by the residents of Alwar or any other concerned party. If a complaint is unresolved or a decision is taken against the complainant, then the person concerned can file a review petition in the Rajasthan High Court.

During the hearing, Additional Advocate General (AAG) Shiv Mangal Sharma, present by the Rajasthan government, informed the Supreme Court that no mining activity is being done in the banned 1 km area and strict enforcement measures have been implemented. However, the government will appoint a nodal officer to listen to and resolve public grievances. On this, the Supreme Court directed that the state government should appoint a nodal officer in the Alwar District Mining Office.

The Supreme Court directed that the nodal officer would have the right to listen and settle complaints related to illegal mining. If a complaint is filed, it will be resolved within two weeks. If a person is dissatisfied with the decision of the nodal officer, then he will have the right to appeal to the Rajasthan High Court.

The order was given in response to a petition filed by Moshina, alleging that illegal mining continues in the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) within 1 km of the Sariska Tiger Reserve, which is a violation of orders of the Supreme Court on 15 May 2024 and 21 August 2024 of the Supreme Court. The petitioner claimed that despite the sanctions imposed by the court, machinery, equipment and labor camps are present at mining sites and mining continues using high-focus lights and halogen at night.

However, the Rajasthan government strictly dismissed these allegations in its counter affidavit. The government clearly stated that according to the orders of the Supreme Court, no illegal mining is being done within 1 km of CTH. The government also clarified that mining activities have already been closed in the restricted sector, and regular inspections are being done by a joint team of the Mining Department, Forest Department and Revenue Department.

The state government also said that no mining lease has been canceled so far due to pending the case in the Supreme Court, but all mining activities have been completely stopped as directed by the court.

This latest order of the Supreme Court aims to implement its prior orders to prevent effective monitoring and illegal mining around the Sariska Tiger Reserve. Also, it ensures grievance redressal process for local residents and other stakeholders. The state government will now have to appoint a nodal officer in the Alwar District Mining Office, who will investigate all complaints and ensure necessary action.