In a landmark decision for environmental protection, India’s Supreme Court has banned all mining activities within national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, as well as in a one-kilometre radius around them. This significant ruling, delivered by a bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, came as part of the T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad case. Previously, such a restriction was only in place for Goa. Now, this ‘no mining zone’ policy will apply across the entire country.
The court stated that mining activities within a one-kilometre zone of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks pose a serious threat to wildlife. Therefore, any mining permits in these areas will not be accepted nationwide. This decision aims to safeguard biodiversity and natural habitats from the destructive impact of mining.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court has directed the government of Jharkhand to declare the Saranda region as a wildlife sanctuary. The court also emphasised that the rights of tribal communities and forest dwellers in the area must be protected under the Forest Rights Act. Essential public facilities such as schools, railway lines, and hospitals will continue to operate and their existence will be preserved. However, no mining operations will be permitted in this newly designated sanctuary.
Environmental experts have welcomed this verdict, seeing it as a crucial step towards strengthening environmental conservation efforts across India. The establishment of a ‘no mining zone’ around all national parks and sanctuaries is expected to provide much-needed protection to these vital ecosystems.
The court revisited and modified its earlier directives from June 3, 2022. The ruling acknowledges that while a similar ban was previously imposed for Goa in the Goa Foundation case, it was necessary to extend this protection nationwide for effective wildlife conservation. The judges noted that mining activities in the vicinity of protected areas are consistently harmful to wildlife. Therefore, the prohibition on mining within national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and their immediate one-kilometre surroundings is now a national mandate.
This comprehensive ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to preserving India’s natural heritage and ensuring the survival of its diverse wildlife populations. It sends a strong message against unsustainable industrial practices that threaten fragile ecosystems. The implementation of this ban is expected to be a significant challenge, requiring close monitoring and enforcement by relevant government agencies. However, the long-term benefits for conservation are immense.