The Supreme Court on Wednesday mandated the Rajasthan government to appoint a nodal officer in Alwar district to address ongoing concerns about illegal mining activities near the Sariska Tiger Reserve. This decision comes in response to pleas alleging that such activities continue within a kilometer of the reserve despite a previous Supreme Court ban.
Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih, presiding over the hearing, instructed that the nodal officer be positioned within the office of the district mining officer in Alwar. The appointed officer will be responsible for responding to complaints of illegal mining, ensuring decisions on such matters are concluded within two weeks of receiving a complaint.
The Rajasthan government, however, countered the allegations in court, asserting that rigorous inspections are routinely carried out, including night-time patrols on highways to curb unauthorized mining operations. Despite these measures, concerns persist about the enforcement of the mining ban imposed by the Supreme Court.
Senior advocate K Parameshwar, serving as an amicus curiae, supported the idea of appointing a dedicated nodal officer as an effective strategy to handle the grievances associated with illegal mining near the protected area.
The Supreme Court had previously clarified in its April 26, 2023, verdict, reinforced by an order on April 28, 2023, that any mining activity within a one-kilometer radius of the reserve’s boundary is prohibited. This includes areas designated as critical tiger habitats, which are crucial for the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity in the region.
The court’s latest ruling aims to strengthen enforcement of its directives and protect the Sariska Tiger Reserve from environmental harm that could jeopardize its wildlife, including its famed tiger population. The applicants’ counsel highlighted instances of non-compliance with the court’s orders, prompting this reinforced judicial intervention.
