NGT Takes Up Application to Modify Mining Restrictions Near Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
In a significant environmental development, the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi has issued a notice regarding a miscellaneous application that seeks to alter its previous order imposing restrictions on mining activities in a forest area adjacent to the renowned Ranthambore National Park. The bench, presided over by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Dr A Senthil Vel, an expert member, conducted the hearing in the capital city.
Background of the 2017 Order and Current Proceedings
The application in question aims to vary the Tribunal's directive from October 11, 2017, which emerged from original proceedings alleging illegal and unauthorized mining operations within the Ranthambore National Tiger Reserve and its surrounding forest regions. In that landmark order, the NGT documented that the total mining lease area spanned 1,516 hectares, with 1,107 hectares located on revenue land and 208 hectares comprising forest land where mining had previously occurred but was subsequently halted. Additionally, 201 hectares proposed for mining were identified as falling within forest land and the sanctuary's buffer zone.
An official closely associated with the case elaborated, "The tribunal had explicitly directed that no mining activity be conducted in the 208 hectares of forest land where operations had been stopped, and similarly prohibited mining in the 201 hectares within the sanctuary or its buffer zone. However, mining was permitted on the 1,107 hectares of revenue land, provided all applicable laws were adhered to." The bench had also allowed parties to seek modification of the order upon securing all necessary statutory permissions, including approvals from the Wildlife Board.
New Clearances Presented to the Tribunal
During the recent hearing, senior counsel representing the applicant asserted that the requisite clearances have now been obtained. These include:
- Permission dated April 3, 1998, from the Ministry of Environment and Forest for the diversion of 108 hectares of forest land.
- Approval dated November 13, 2006, under Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act for the diversion of 100 acres.
- Wildlife clearance dated June 9, 2025, granted by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden of Rajasthan, Jaipur, under Section 29 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
The official further stated, "It was argued that with these forest and wildlife clearances in place, the applicant is now entitled to resume mining operations in the 208 hectares of forest land that were previously restricted under the tribunal's order."
Next Steps and Tribunal Directives
In response, the NGT has issued notices to all parties involved in the original application, instructing them to file their responses via affidavit at least one week prior to the next hearing date through e-filing. The applicant has been directed to serve copies of the application and submit an affidavit of service in advance. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on May 25, 2026, as per the tribunal's order.
This case highlights the ongoing tension between industrial activities and environmental conservation, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like Ranthambore, which is a critical habitat for tigers and other wildlife. The outcome could set a precedent for how mining operations are regulated near protected forest zones in India.
