In a landmark environmental judgment, the Supreme Court of India has delivered a decisive ruling that prohibits all mining activities within a one-kilometer radius of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries across the country.
Historic Judgment for Environmental Protection
The apex court bench issued this significant order while addressing critical conservation concerns, establishing a mandatory buffer zone around protected areas to safeguard India's rich biodiversity from destructive mining operations.
The court specifically directed the Jharkhand government to formally declare an area comprising 126 compartments in the ecologically sensitive Saranda forest region as officially notified, following the original 1968 order that designated this territory for protection.
Saranda Forest Compartments Excluded
While the majority of the Saranda forest area received protected status, the bench made an important exception by excluding six specific compartments from this notification. The ruling maintains the integrity of the forest while acknowledging certain practical considerations.
This judgment comes as a significant victory for environmental conservationists and represents a crucial step toward balancing economic development with ecological preservation. The one-kilometer no-mining buffer zone establishes a clear standard for future industrial activities near sensitive ecosystems.
Broader Implications for Conservation
The Supreme Court's decision sets a nationwide precedent that will affect mining proposals and existing operations near all protected areas across India. Environmental experts anticipate this ruling will strengthen conservation efforts and provide legal backing for forest protection initiatives.
The Saranda forest, known for its rich iron ore deposits and diverse wildlife, has been at the center of numerous environmental debates. This ruling provides clarity on the permissible limits of industrial activity in this ecologically significant region.
State governments across India are now expected to review and potentially revise their mining policies to comply with this Supreme Court mandate, ensuring greater protection for the country's natural heritage.
