Jaipur: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a joint committee to investigate allegations over revival of mining leases near Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar after an alleged change in the recorded distance of the mines from the protected area.Hearing an application filed by Pawan Singh, the Central Zone Bench of the NGT observed that the matter raises a substantial environmental issue involving protection of wildlife habitat, conservation of forest ecology and enforcement of environmental safeguards governing mining activities in the ecologically sensitive region around the tiger reserve.According to the application, “Mining leases in Jhiri village and adjoining areas of Thanagazi tehsil were earlier closed by the competent authorities as they lacked mandatory clearance from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) because they were located within 10 km of the protected area.”The plea alleged that the projects were later reconsidered and revived after a revised distance certificate indicated that the leases were beyond the 10 km regulated zone, following which they were allegedly permitted without obtaining NBWL approval.The applicant further submitted that an earlier official report placed the mining leases within 10 km of the sanctuary, leading to rejection of the mining proposals.It was alleged that a subsequent report recorded the distance as more than 10 km, after which the mining leases were granted.Observing that an inquiry was required, the tribunal directed the principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) to depute two senior officials to accurately measure the distance and certify whether the prescribed distance criterion had been violated.An official said, “The NGT also sought a factual and action-taken report from a joint committee comprising a senior representative of the chief wildlife warden, Rajasthan, a representative of the Alwar district collector and a representative of the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board. The committee has been directed to inspect the site and submit its report within six weeks, with the pollution control board acting as the nodal agency for coordination.”The matter has been listed for further hearing on Sept 1.
