The Supreme Court has instructed the Rajasthan government to appoint a nodal officer to handle complaints related to illegal mining activities near the Sariska Tiger Reserve.
Senior advocate K Parameshwara, appointed as amicus curiae in the case, emphasized that appointing a nodal officer would provide a practical solution to address the issue effectively.
Nodal Officer To Address Complaints Within One Kilometer Radius
A bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustin George Masih specified that the nodal officer will be responsible for addressing complaints regarding illegal mining within a one-kilometer radius of the Sariska Tiger Reserve.
The petition alleges that illegal mining continues in the area, despite the Supreme Court’s ban on such activities.
Rajasthan Government Denies Allegations
In response to the petition, the Rajasthan government denied the allegations of illegal mining in the area.
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The state government assured the court that investigations are conducted regularly, with officials inspecting highways, even during the night, to prevent any unlawful activities.
However, the court stressed the importance of taking swift action to resolve the complaints.
Timely Resolution And Court’s Directive
The Supreme Court directed that the newly appointed nodal officer must resolve any complaints within two weeks of receiving them.
If the officer fails to address the issue within this timeframe, the concerned High Court can take further action.
The court had previously made it clear that any continued mining activity within one kilometer of the Sariska Tiger Reserve would violate the Supreme Court’s April 2023 order.
The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the growing concerns over environmental conservation and the protection of critical wildlife habitats, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding the Sariska Tiger Reserve.
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