Mining: SC asks panel to examine Yamuna embankment claims near sanctuary

The Supreme Court has directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to investigate claims about construction of an embankment on the Yamuna near the Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary in Haryana, allegedly to enable mining activities.

Notified on December 13, 1996, the sanctuary is spread over 13,209 acres in the eastern region of Yamunanagar district. It is situated in the foothills of Shiwalik ranges, sharing its boundary with Uttar Pradesh on the east and Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal on the northern side. The area is full of biodiversity, having dense Sal and Khair forests and patches of grass lands, which support a variety of plants and animal species.

Royal tigers and elephants visit this place from the Rajaji National Park.

A Bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih, on April 29, asked the CEC to examine the issue and submit a report after advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal submitted on behalf of the applicant that the embankment was built to facilitate rampant mining operations near the sanctuary.

The Bench was also told that the river’s flow was being diverted from Haryana to Uttar Pradesh.

The Bench asked the applicant’s counsel to provide copies of the application to advocates representing Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to enable them to respond to the allegations, and posted the matter for further hearing in the last week of May.

Established by the Supreme Court’s 2002 order, the CEC is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the court directives related to encroachment removals, working plans, compensatory afforestation, plantations, and other conservation matters.

Acting on a petition filed by Bansal, the Supreme Court had, on April 24, 2024, stayed the construction of four proposed dams inside the sanctuary in Yamunanagar district. Bansal has challenged the construction of Chikan, Kansli, Khillanwala and Ambawali dams within the sanctuary on the ground that it will have a negative impact on the flora and the fauna in the area.

Haryana Tribune