Rajasthan Villagers Stage Protest at Kotputli Collectorate Over Unimplemented NGT Mining Order
In a significant demonstration of environmental activism, approximately 300 villagers from Jodhpura and surrounding areas in the Kotputli-Behror, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu districts assembled outside the Kotputli collectorate on Monday. The protest was organized to demand the immediate and full implementation of a crucial National Green Tribunal (NGT) order concerning mining activities dangerously close to their residential settlements.
Protest Coincides with Shaheed Diwas, Highlights Long-Standing Grievances
The gathering was strategically timed to coincide with Shaheed Diwas, observed annually on March 23 to honor the sacrifices of freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru. A representative of the villagers articulated their primary grievance, stating, "The NGT, in its binding order dated November 3, 2025, explicitly directed the concerned authorities to ensure that no blasting activities occur within a 500-meter radius of houses, temples, schools, and other vital structures. Regrettably, these critical orders are being blatantly ignored and not followed on the ground."
Over 1,200 Days of Struggle and Unfulfilled Promises
Kailash Chand Yadhav, the secretary of the Jodhpura Sangharsh Samiti, provided a detailed historical context. He revealed that the villagers initially approached the NGT in May 2024, formally citing severe environmental degradation and escalating health issues directly linked to rampant mining operations and stone crushing activities in the vicinity of their village. "Our relentless struggle, spanning more than 1,200 arduous days, finally saw a glimmer of hope following the NGT's decisive order," Yadhav explained. "However, even after a lapse of more than four months since the order, illegal mining, hazardous blasting, and disruptive crushing activities are continuing unabated in alarmingly close proximity to our habitation." He further alleged that blasting was still being conducted perilously close to the village boundaries.
Multiple Environmental and Safety Hazards Cited by Residents
The villagers' complaints extend beyond blasting. They raised serious concerns over persistent issues of excessive noise pollution, pervasive dust clouds, and the constant, dangerous movement of heavy trucks through their settlement. Lalita Devi, an active member of the samiti, highlighted the daily disruptions, saying, "The excessive artificial light and deafening noise emanating from nearby industrial operations, coupled with the relentless movement of overloaded trucks, are severely affecting the quality of life for all residents. These conditions pose a particularly grave risk to the safety of children attending the village school."
Official Meetings and Demands for Proper Rehabilitation
Activists involved in the movement disclosed that a meeting of the State Level Environmental Monitoring and Response Committee was convened in Jaipur during February to review the escalating situation. According to their account, the authorities present at that meeting decided that the district administration would form a specialized committee. This committee was to comprise officials from the revenue, mines, pollution control, and other relevant departments, tasked with assessing viable rehabilitation options for the affected residents.
Prabhu Dayal, another member of the samiti, outlined the villagers' demands in response to this development. He stated that the community is demanding direct representation within the proposed district-level committee to ensure their voices are heard. Furthermore, they are seeking a permanent relocation outside the current mining lease area, citing the failure of past rehabilitation efforts. Dayal alleged that an earlier rehabilitation of residents from Mohanpura village, which was situated within a mining lease area, had failed miserably, as it merely exposed them to continued and unmitigated impacts from dust and blasting, offering no real respite.
The protest underscores a critical clash between industrial activity and community welfare, with villagers insisting that legal environmental safeguards be enforced to protect their health, safety, and homes from the detrimental effects of unchecked mining.
