Why Did the Rajasthan HC Cancel 93 Gravel Mining Lease Auctions?
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Synopsis
The Rajasthan High Court's recent decision to annul 93 gravel mining lease auctions across various districts signifies a critical step towards environmental preservation. This ruling highlights the court's commitment to ensuring ecological balance while addressing the concerns raised by local organizations advocating for sustainable practices in mining.
Key Takeaways
- The Rajasthan High Court canceled 93 gravel mining leases to protect river ecology.
- Refunds are mandated for affected leaseholders.
- A replenishment report must be submitted within four months.
- New lease auctions are on hold until environmental evaluations are completed.
- This decision underscores the importance of balancing development with sustainability.
Jaipur, Jan 20 (NationPress) In a pivotal ruling aimed at safeguarding river ecology and the environment, the Rajasthan High Court has annulled the auctions for 93 gravel mining leases in the districts of Bhilwara, Tonk, Sawai Madhopur, and Ajmer.
The court has mandated the state government to refund the deposits made by the affected leaseholders and to provide a replenishment report for the leased areas over the past five years within a time frame of four months.
Furthermore, the court has prohibited any new auctions for gravel leases until the replenishment report is submitted and receives approval from either the High Court or the Supreme Court.
This ruling was issued by a Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Baljinder Singh Sandhu, while addressing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) submitted by Brijmohan Sapoot Kala Sanskriti Seva Sansthan.
The court emphasized that gravel mining leases must rigorously follow environmental regulations. It directed that each mining site be segmented into five sections, ensuring specific areas remain untouched for natural replenishment, with these stipulations clearly outlined in the auction notices.
Representing the petitioner, Senior Advocate Kamlakar Sharma and Advocate Alankrita Sharma informed the court that auctions were planned in 46 regions of Bhilwara, 34 in Tonk, nine in Ajmer, and four in Sawai Madhopur.
They contended that numerous areas had already been leased for gravel mining in 2022, 2023, and 2024, violating established norms that state once a lease is granted, further mining in that area should be halted for five years to facilitate ecological recovery.
The court expressed concern that mining activities had commenced in six of the 93 leased locations prior to its intervention. The PIL was accepted after the petitioner deposited Rs 50,000 as instructed by the court.
This High Court ruling conveys a strong message to the authorities regarding the need to balance development with environmental sustainability, especially in riverbed and gravel extraction, which has a direct effect on groundwater levels and river ecosystems.
Point of View
The Rajasthan High Court's decision reflects a growing recognition of the need for sustainable practices in natural resource extraction. Balancing development and environmental integrity is crucial for the long-term health of ecosystems and communities, and this ruling is a significant step in that direction. NationPress supports such measures that prioritize ecological preservation.
NationPress
20/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Rajasthan High Court's decision?
The court's ruling was prompted by concerns over environmental degradation and the need to protect river ecology, leading to the cancellation of 93 gravel mining lease auctions.
How will the state government respond to the court's order?
The state government is required to refund the deposits made by leaseholders and submit a replenishment report for the leased areas within four months.
What are the implications of this ruling for future mining leases?
No new gravel lease auctions can occur until the replenishment report is approved by the High Court or Supreme Court, ensuring environmental safeguards are in place.
