SC Orders Ban on Mining at Ranthambore Reserve

The Supreme Court has directed the Rajasthan government to take immediate steps to ban mining in the core area of the Ranthambore tiger reserve and constituted a three-member committee to make recommendations to regulate the flow of devotees and vehicles at an ancient temple lying within the critical tiger habitat.

- Abraham Thomas

NEW DELHI:

Passing directions on an application highlighting the threat to the tiger habitat and population due to illegal mining, unauthorized construction and a huge footfall of devotees at the temple, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan R Gavai said, "In order to protect the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, we deem it appropriate to direct the state of Rajasthan to take steps to ban mining in the core area of the reserve."

The bench in its order passed on May 30, uploaded on Tuesday, noted that a similar problem that arose at Sariska Tiger Reserve was dealt by an order of the top court in December 2024 by forming a committee that suggested the entry of private vehicles be restricted at three entry points. It further directed that electric shuttle buses be used to ferry pilgrims to and from the temple, which is currently operational.