Sariska Tiger Reserve: Supreme Court Halts Mining Operations (GS Paper 2, Governance)
Context
- In a significant move aimed at protecting the Sariska Tiger Reserve, the Supreme Court of India has ordered the closure of 68 mines located within a one-kilometer radius of the reserve.
- This decisive action, issued on May 15, 2024, is part of an ongoing battle against illegal mining activities that have posed a threat to the vital tiger habitat since the 1990s.
- Upholding provisions from the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and the Environment Protection Act of 1986, the court's ruling reinforces the prohibition of quarrying near tiger reserves.
Historical Context and Judicial Interventions
- The issue of mining encroachment in Sariska was first brought to the attention of the Supreme Court in October 1991 through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a local NGO.
- Responding promptly, the court issued an interim order to cease mining activities within the reserve and initiated a fact-finding mission led by Justice M. L. Jain.
- Subsequent findings underscored the ecological significance of the 800 square kilometer protected area, prompting the closure of 262 mines in April 1993.
- Despite these measures, persistent violations necessitated further interventions, including the establishment of a one-kilometer safety zone around the reserve.
- However, challenges persisted due to inconsistencies in enforcement across states and disputes over boundary delineations.
Continued Challenges and Supreme Court's Vigilance in the 2020s
- Throughout the 2010s, the Supreme Court adopted a stricter stance, reaffirming its decisions to prohibit mining activities within the one-kilometer safety zone surrounding the Sariska reserve.
- Despite these efforts, challenges persisted for another decade.
- In response, the Supreme Court adapted its approach in the 2020s to address evolving circumstances while maintaining a steadfast commitment to safeguarding conservation areas from mining encroachment.
Boundary Demarcation Issues and Local Concerns
- The implementation of protective measures has been hindered by ambiguities in the delineation of the reserve's boundaries, resulting in discrepancies between official records and ground realities.
- These discrepancies have created legal and administrative loopholes that have facilitated illegal mining activities.
- Local communities have voiced their apprehensions, particularly regarding the inclusion of revenue villages within the tiger reserve without due consideration, which they argue infringes upon their rights.
Exploring Sariska Tiger Reserve
- Situated in the Alwar district of the Indian state of Rajasthan.
- Established as a wildlife reserve in 1955, designated as a tiger reserve in 1978.
- By 2004, all tigers in Sariska had fallen victim to poaching.
- In 2008, efforts to reintroduce tigers commenced, marking India's first successful relocation of tigers from Ranthambore.
- The reserve boasts remnants of medieval temples and a fortress.
- It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including leopards, sambars, and chitals.
- Sariska Tiger Reserve is an integral part of India's Project Tiger initiative, encompassing approximately 800 square kilometers.
