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Mining banned in Braj hills

Special Correspondent

Rajasthan not to issue any new licences The move follows a massive agitation for preservation of sacred spots in the region associated with Lord Krishna.

JAIPUR: All the stone quarries and crushers situated in a 500 square-metre area adjacent to the "Parikrama" (circumambulation) route around the sacred hills in the Braj region in Bharatpur district of Rajasthan will soon be closed with the State Government deciding to terminate their mining licences. The Government has also resolved not to issue any fresh licences for mining activities in the region in future.

The move follows a massive public agitation for preservation of sacred spots in the Braj region associated with Lord Krishna. The Braj Rakshak Dal, which organised a demonstration on the issue at Ghata village on July 10, had alleged that mining activities were continuing in the area despite a ban imposed by the Supreme Court in the Taj Trapezium zone case. The Rajasthan High Court had also directed the Government to ensure eco-friendly mining operations in the State. Hundreds of villagers, sadhus and activists, participating the demonstration, pointed out that the Braj hills had a great religious, historical and ecological significance and should be saved from the threat of extinction posed by quarries.

The Forest and Environment Minister, Laxminarain Dave, said here on Wednesday that the district administration, police and a special force of the Mining Department were taking action to check illegal mining in the region. "The decision to stop mining has been taken after examining the issues such as employment available to the local populace and the revenue earnings," he said.

Mr. Dave pointed out that the State Government had decided in favour of cancelling the mining licences in the 500 square-metre area on January 27 this year as well, but it was not fully implemented. A total of 55 licences had been issued for mining of major and minor minerals on the Parikrama route, while 170 licences are operative outside the route.

The Minister said the licences of 15 minor and two major quarries had been revoked after the January 27 order. The Parikrama route measuring 500 square metres was verified on the basis of the map provided by the local sadhus.

Mr. Dave said that of the 25 hills of religious significance identified by the Braj Rakshak Dal, no mining activity on behalf of the Mining Department was reported at as many as 17 hills. The department gets royalty to the tune of Rs. 7 crores from mining operations in addition to the income to the State Government in the shape of commercial tax and octroi, while the villagers get employment at the quarries.

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