Maharashtra Chief Secretary summoned on illegal mining near Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

CHENNAI: Expressing concern over rampant illegal mining near Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, the Supreme Court has summoned Maharashtra Chief Secretary (CS) over lack of concern shown by the state.

A Bench, headed by Justice Madan B Lokur took exception to the fact that despite repeated opportunities, the state government has failed to come clear on its position regarding steps taken to halt all mining activities in contravention of environmental norms.

Despite the court’s earlier direction, the Bench noted that the state government did not take any action against the miners who have not taken approvals from the National Board for Wild Life.

The court summoned the CS in person for an explanation on November 2 and directed him to ensure that illegal mining in areas where there is no clearance given by the National Board for Wild Life should be stopped with immediate effect.

The order was passed on a plea filed by M/s Puntambekar Minerals for the purpose of mining bauxite near the sanctuary, which pointed out that the wildlife board in February had asked the Maharashtra government to take action but nothing was done and cited a report prepared by a committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change that highlighted illegal mining in the vicinity of the wildlife sanctuary and proposed action against such activities.