Supreme Court Forms Committee To Tackle Pilgrim Influx, Illegal Mining In Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

The Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, and Justice A.G. Masih and Justice A.S. Chandurkar passed the order while hearing an application highlighting critical issues affecting the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) of the Reserve.

The application raised five key concerns:

1. Unchecked crowds and vehicular traffic to the Trinetra Ganesha Temple located inside the Reserve,

2. Illegal mining operations in the CTH;

3. Unauthorized constructions and commercial activities within the Reserve;

4. Delay in notifying Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) around the Reserve;

5. Neglect of historic structures located inside the Reserve.

To examine and suggest solutions in a phased and balanced manner, the Court formed a committee comprising:

-The Collector, Sawai Madhopur

-The Field Director, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

-A member of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC)

The Court clarified that the committee must balance ecological protection with the religious sentiments of devotees visiting the Trinetra Ganesha Temple. It was also directed to grant a fair hearing to stakeholders, including the temple trust.

Mining Ban in CTH

The Court came down heavily on illegal mining activities in the core area, directing the State of Rajasthan to implement a strict ban. The Court ordered the State to file an affidavit within six weeks detailing the steps taken to enforce the prohibition. 

"The ban on mining in the core area of Tiger Reserve shall scrupulously be followed without permitting any interference from any of the stakeholders," the Court observed.

Supreme Court’s Observations on Key Issues:

1. Religious Gathering at Trinetra Ganesha Temple

Located 5 km inside the National Park, the temple sees over 10,000 pilgrims on Wednesdays and around 6,000 on Sundays. A 6-km road from Ganesh Dham to Jogi Mahal Gate, lying entirely within the core zone, is flooded with private vehicles, causing congestion and disturbing wildlife. The Court noted that pilgrims often use firewood extracted illegally and dispose of large amounts of plastic waste in the forest.

2. Illegal Mining in CTH

Approximately 150 hectares near Uliyana village within the CTH are affected by mining operations involving heavy machinery and constant movement of dumpers and tractor-trolleys, the applicant submitted.

3. Encroachments and Illegal Constructions

Despite prohibitory orders, the Court noted the rampant rise in unauthorized commercial establishments and temple expansions, particularly around Kachida Mataji Temple. Pilgrims were reported to frequently litter the area with plastic waste.

4. Delay in ESZ Notification

The absence of an officially notified ESZ has led to the proliferation of hotels, resorts, and residential colonies inside the Reserve, the applicant alleged.

5. Neglect of Historic Structures

The applicant pointed out that monuments such as Jogi Mahal, Ranthambhore Fort, Bada Mahal, and Jain Temples remain in a dilapidated condition due to lack of conservation efforts.

The matter remains pending, and further directions may be issued after the Committee submits its report.