The Supreme Court has imposed a blanket ban on mining activities within one kilometer of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries across the country. The court observed that such activities pose a serious threat to wildlife and fragile ecosystems.
The verdict was delivered by a bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, while hearing petitions related to the Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary (SWL) and the Sasangdaburu Conservation Reserve (SCR) in Jharkhand.
The bench stated that no mining activity can be permitted within one kilometer from the boundaries of any national park or wildlife sanctuary under any circumstances. The judges emphasized that the order is necessary to ensure environmental balance and wildlife safety.
The Supreme Court also referred to its earlier directions in the Goa Foundation case, where it had asked the Goa government to issue notifications restricting mining around protected areas. The bench observed that such protective measures should now be implemented uniformly across India.
Additionally, the apex court directed the Jharkhand government to formally notify the designated areas as wildlife sanctuaries, ensuring that the rights of tribal communities and forest dwellers are protected under the Forest Rights Act.
Highlighting the ecological importance of the Saranda region, known for its rich biodiversity, the Supreme Court reiterated its previous directive to the Jharkhand government to declare it a reserve forest to safeguard its environmental and tribal significance.
This landmark ruling strengthens India’s environmental protection framework, striking a balance between developmental interests and ecological conservation.
