The Supreme Court has ordered a ban on mining and construction activities in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and animal corridors.
According to media reports, mining activities were banned along the southern boundary of the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
The apex court also ordered a ban on carrying out construction activities on the routes that form nine animal corridors.
A bench comprising Justice Arun Mishra and Justice Deepak Gupta ordered the ban as per the recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
The CEC stated in its report that illegal mining and stone crushing activities are being carried out in the elephant corridor connecting the Kaziranga National Park and Karbi Anglong Hills.
Also read: Despite SC order, elephant corridor near Kaziranga still blocked!
The elephant corridor includes the forests falling under the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council area and within the eco-sensitive zone.
The court sought a response from the head of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council area in the matter of the CWC report.
As per the recommendations of the CEC, the apex court directed the Director General of Assam Police to ensure that no mining activity takes place in the catchment area of the streams/rivers originating in the Karbi Anglong Hill ranges.
The apex court also directed the police to ensure that no transportation of illegally mined material from Karbi Anglong Hill took place.
