SC warns Raj of contempt action over mining in RTR

THE PLEA STATED THAT THE TIGERS IN RANTHAMBORE WERE UNDER THREAT DUE TO UNCONTROLLED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES, ILLEGAL MINING AND UNAUTHORISED CONSTRUCTION

- Abraham Thomas

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday warned the Rajasthan government of initiating contempt proceedings as it took a "serious" note of illegal mining activities taking place inside the core area of Ranthambore tiger reserve (RTR). The court also sought response from the state within 24 hours on an application seeking deployment of central paramilitary forces to guard the wildlife reserve.

The application claimed that forest officials in Rajasthan were being openly threatened by state ministers for preventing vehicles engaged in illegal mining. On learning about the illegal mining taking place within the core area of the tiger reserve, a bench headed by chief justice of India (CJI) Bhushan R Gavai said, "This is a very serious matter."

The bench, also comprising justice AG Masih, posted the matter for hearing on Tuesday.

The bench, also comprising justice AG Masih, was hearing the application moved by lawyer and activist Sanjay Kumar on May 5, in the TN Godavarman matter pertaining to protection of forests and wildlife.