Illegal mines booming near Gir WLS
Divya Bhaskar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)
Gir forest is the last abode of Asiatic Lions. As per Supreme Court ruling and Wildlife Protection Act-1972, mining is not allowed within 5km periphery of the forest. In spite of such laws, two mines have been issued legal permission for mining activities within restricted 5 km periphery. This fact was revealed in ‘Right to Information’ application made by Wildlife Conservation Trust -
Local sources also say that mining activity is done during night time without any stoppage from local authorities. Such activities are disturbing wild animals in the Gir forest. Such mines are also in the corridor of wild animals which forces them to move in human settlement villages or revenue area. This indirectly increases man-animal conflict.
Dr. M. K. Ranjeetsinhji, who drafted the WLP Act-1972, on telephonic conversation with Divya Bhaskar confirmed that no mining activities are permitted with in 5 km periphery as per the Act.
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