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News India Live, Digital Desk: Jharkhand High Court has issued a revolutionary order cracking down on illegal and uncontrolled mining in the state. The Court has clearly directed that henceforth 500 meter radius from the border of forest areas (Buffer Zone) No mining activity of any kind will be allowed. The division bench of the Chief Justice, while hearing a PIL, gave this decision, due to which clouds of crisis are looming over the operation of hundreds of private and government mines in the state.
Why did the court become strict? ‘500 meter’ rule necessary
During the hearing, the court made serious comments on the functioning of the state government and the mining department.
Conservation of Ecology: The court said that due to mining very close to the forests, not only the greenery is being destroyed, but the natural habitats and corridors of the wildlife are also being destroyed.
Violation of buffer zone: Earlier, mining leases were issued very close to forests at many places. The High Court has now made this 500 meter Lakshman Rekha mandatory so that an ‘eco-sensitive’ security cordon is maintained around the forests.
Impact of the decision on Jharkhand’s mining industry
After this order, major changes will be seen in the mining scenario of Jharkhand:
Mines Review: The government will now have to review all existing mines that fall within 500 meters of the forest boundary. There may be an immediate ban on lease renewal or expansion of such mines.
Restrictions on new lease: In future, before issuing mining lease, the Forest Department and Mining Department will have to jointly do physical verification of the distance.
Injury due to stone and sand mining: This decision will have a direct and widespread impact especially on the stone crushers operating in areas like Sahibganj, Pakur and Dhanbad.
Strict instructions to the government: Report sought in 4 weeks
The High Court has directed the state government to four weeks Present a detailed action plan within. The court has asked how many mines are there in the state which are violating this limit and what action has been taken against them so far. The court also made it clear that the responsibility of the officers who violate the rules will be fixed.
Environmentalists welcomed
Environmental activists have described this step of the High Court as a lifesaver to save the ‘lungs’ of Jharkhand i.e. forests. Experts believe that this distance rule will also be of great help in the movement of elephants and in improving the groundwater level.
