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Rajasthan HC Cancels 93 Gravel Mining Leases to Protect River Ecology

The Rajasthan High Court has cancelled the auction of 93 gravel mining leases across four districts to protect river ecology. It ordered the state government to refund deposited amounts and submit a five-year replenishment report within four months. The court banned fresh auctions until the report is approved, stressing strict adherence to environmental safeguards. The ruling came from a PIL alleging leases were issued in violation of norms requiring a five-year ecological recovery period.

Key Points: Rajasthan HC Cancels 93 Mining Leases for Environmental Violations

  • 93 mining leases cancelled
  • Court orders refund to leaseholders
  • Mandates 5-year replenishment study
  • Bans new auctions until report approved
2 min read

Rajasthan HC takes strict stand on gravel mining; 93 lease auctions cancelled

Rajasthan High Court cancels 93 gravel mining lease auctions, orders refunds and strict environmental safeguards to protect river ecology.

"gravel mining leases must strictly adhere to environmental safeguards - Rajasthan High Court"

Jaipur, Jan 20

In a significant decision aimed at protecting river ecology and the environment, the Rajasthan High Court has cancelled the auction of 93 gravel mining leases across Bhilwara, Tonk, Sawai Madhopur, and Ajmer districts.

The court has directed the state government to refund the deposited amounts to the concerned leaseholders and submit a replenishment report of the leased areas for the past five years within four months.

The court further ordered that no fresh auction of gravel leases should be conducted until the replenishment report is prepared and approved by the High Court or the Supreme Court.

The ruling was delivered by a Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Baljinder Singh Sandhu while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Brijmohan Sapoot Kala Sanskriti Seva Sansthan.

The court stressed that gravel mining leases must strictly adhere to environmental safeguards. It directed that each mining area be divided into five parts, with specific portions kept free for natural replenishment, and that these details be clearly mentioned in the auction notices.

Appearing for the petitioner, Senior Advocate Kamlakar Sharma and Advocate Alankrita Sharma informed the court that auctions were being conducted in 46 areas in Bhilwara, 34 in Tonk, nine in Ajmer and four in Sawai Madhopur.

They argued that several of these areas had already been leased for gravel mining during 2022, 2023, and 2024, in violation of norms which mandate that once a lease is issued, no further mining should be permitted in the same area for the next five years to allow ecological replenishment.

The court noted with concern that mining operations had already commenced in six of the 93 leased areas before the intervention. The PIL was entertained after the petitioner deposited Rs 50,000, as directed by the court.

The High Court's order sends a strong message to the authorities to balance development with environmental sustainability, particularly in riverbed and gravel mining, which directly impacts groundwater levels and river ecology.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is a crucial step. While development is needed, it cannot come at the cost of our water security. Riverbed mining directly affects groundwater, which is already a critical issue in Rajasthan. Hope other states take note.
R
Rohit P
Good decision, but what about the local labour and businesses dependent on these leases? The court order is right, but the government must also have a plan for those whose livelihoods are impacted. Can't just stop things without an alternative.
P
Priya S
Shocking that mining had already started in 6 areas! Shows complete disregard for rules. The authorities need to be held accountable. Kudos to the NGO for filing the PIL. We need more citizen-led legal actions.
A
Aman W
This is a landmark judgment. The "replenishment report" condition is key. For too long, mining departments have operated with impunity. Hope this sets a precedent for sustainable resource management across the country.
K
Karthik V
While I fully support protecting the environment, I have to ask: was due process followed in cancelling 93 leases at once? What about the leaseholders who followed the rules? The refund is fine, but what about their sunk costs and planning? The court's intent is noble, but the execution seems a bit harsh.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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