Supreme Court Weighs Mining Ban in Conservation and Community Reserves

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to consider prohibiting mining activities in conservation and community reserves to facilitate wildlife movement. The court emphasized that such reserves act as vital corridors linking national parks. A decision will be made after further discussions with stakeholders.

The Supreme Court has urged the Centre to examine the possibility of banning mining activities in areas designated as conservation and community reserves. The move aims to protect vital corridors for wildlife movement.

Leading the bench, Justice B R Gavai asserted that these reserves serve as essential pathways for wildlife between national parks and sanctuaries. Other justices on the bench, including P K Mishra and K V Viswanathan, echoed the sentiment, warning that mining could disrupt these crucial corridors.

The bench cited its previous directive, which prohibits mining within a one-kilometre radius of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Calling for a focus on eco-tourism, the court noted that the Centre has yet to finalize recommendations after consulting with stakeholders.