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News India Live, Digital Desk: Jharkhand High Court has given a historic decision regarding environmental protection and protection of forests in Jharkhand. The court has given a clear order that no mining work will be done within a radius of 500 meters from the boundary of any forest area of the state. This strict stance of the High Court has created a stir among the illegal miners and the syndicates that get leases by ignoring the rules.
Strict steps to protect eco-sensitive zone
The court, while hearing a PIL, said that it is essential to have a ‘buffer zone’ to preserve the existence of forests. It is often seen that due to mining taking place near the forest boundaries, not only the habitat of wildlife is affected, but it also causes irreparable damage to the environment. The High Court has directed the State Government and the Mining Department to ensure strict adherence to this 500 meter limit.
The sword still hangs on the old lease
The biggest impact of this order will be on those mining leases which are currently operating very close to the forests. The court made it clear that any approval that violates the rules will be considered illegal. Experts believe that after this decision, crushers and stone quarries running in many districts of the state, especially in forest dominated areas like Chatra, Palamu, Latehar and Giridih, may be closed.
Concern expressed over pollution and wildlife migration
During the hearing, the bench expressed concern that due to heavy machines and blasting, the peace of the forests is being disturbed, due to which elephants and other wild animals are migrating towards populated areas. This ‘no mining limit’ of 500 meters will act as a shield to control pollution and maintain the natural form of the forests.
Instructions to the government to submit mapping and report
The High Court has directed the Jharkhand government to conduct digital mapping of forest areas across the state and ensure that no new lease is given within this prescribed limit. Also, the leases granted so far have been reviewed and a detailed report has been asked to be presented before the court. Environmentalists have described this decision as a milestone in protecting the ‘water-forest-land’ of Jharkhand.