CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The Rajasthan government is considering a complete prohibition on mining within a 10-kilometre perimeter of the Chittorgarh Fort, a prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site. This decision comes amid an ongoing legal dispute involving Birla Corporation Limited and the state authorities, with the matter currently under the scrutiny of the Supreme Court. The legal conflict stems from a 2012 Rajasthan High Court verdict that barred mining near the fort due to potential risks to its structural stability and surrounding ecology.
Historical Significance Of Chittorgarh Fort
Chittorgarh Fort holds the distinction of being the largest fort complex in India, sprawling over 700 acres. It encompasses a range of 65 historically significant structures, including approximately 20 large temples, six royal palaces, and iconic monuments like Rani Padmini’s Palace, Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower), and Fateh Prakash Palace Museum. These features contribute to the fort’s architectural and cultural prominence.
Legal Proceedings And Supreme Court Involvement
Following the Rajasthan High Court’s 2012 directive that banned mining and blasting within a 10-kilometre radius of the fort, Birla Corporation Limited contested the decision. The case was escalated to the Supreme Court, which subsequently instructed the Indian Institute of Technology – Indian School of Mines (IIT-ISM), Dhanbad, to conduct an expert evaluation on the environmental and structural impact of mining in the vicinity.
Findings And Controversy Around IIT Report
The scientific assessment submitted by IIT-ISM in January 2024 suggested that controlled blasting activities beyond a 5-kilometre distance from the fort would not pose significant risks. However, this conclusion has been heavily criticised. Experts argue the report lacked robust data, failed to comply with standard assessment protocols, and did not offer clear definitions for “controlled blasting.” Concerns were raised over the report’s omission of long-term monitoring and geotechnical studies on local rock and soil conditions.
Warnings From Heritage And Scientific Institutions
Key organisations such as the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have highlighted potential dangers to the fort from nearby mining operations. Both institutions point to the fragile state of the fort’s structures and argue that even minor seismic vibrations could cause damage. Their analyses favour stringent restrictions, if not a complete halt, to all nearby mining activity.
Environmental And Public Health Issues
Apart from heritage concerns, environmental degradation is another pressing issue. Local water bodies like the Bedach and Gambhiri rivers have reportedly been polluted by runoff and waste from mining. During public consultations, several community members voiced their concerns about these environmental violations, including non-compliance with the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
Extent Of Mining Operations In Chittorgarh
The district of Chittorgarh hosts extensive mining operations. Major limestone mining leases span over 4,360 hectares, generating more than 11 million tonnes annually. In addition, smaller mineral leases cover approximately 260 hectares, yielding 5.2 million tonnes through open-cast methods. The sheer magnitude of mining activities raises serious concerns about both environmental sustainability and the preservation of cultural heritage.
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