NGT orders probe into mining near Sariska Tiger Reserve, forms joint committee

India's National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered an independent investigation into allegations of irregularities in granting mining permits near the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan's Alwar district. The tribunal cited "substantial questions relating to the environment" in its decision.

The order stems from a petition filed by Pawan Singh, who raised concerns about discrepancies in official records concerning the proximity of certain mining leases to the protected forest area. The petitioner alleged that mining leases, previously delisted or closed for lacking mandatory clearance from the National Board for Wildlife, were later revived. This revival reportedly occurred based on revised distance certificates indicating the mines were located beyond the 10-kilometer regulated zone surrounding the sanctuary.

Singh questioned the validity of these revised measurements and sought an investigation into the discrepancy. A bench comprising Judicial Member Justice Sheo Kumar Singh and Expert Member Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi acknowledged the environmental significance of the allegations. They directed the principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) in Rajasthan to conduct a thorough inquiry by senior officers to accurately determine the distances between the mining lease areas and the Sariska protected area, and to verify any violations of environmental and wildlife protection norms.

Furthermore, the NGT established a Joint Committee, including representatives from the chief wildlife warden's office, the Alwar district collector, and the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB). This committee is tasked with conducting a site inspection and submitting a factual and action-taken report within six weeks. The RSPCB will serve as the nodal agency for coordination and logistical support. The tribunal has issued notices to all respondents, requiring them to file their replies within the same timeframe. The case is scheduled for its next hearing on September 1, 2026.