Centre Defers Green Clearance to Limestone Mining Near Great Indian Bustard Habitat

 Key Highlights & Summary 

• Environmental Clearance Put on Hold: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) expert panel deferred green clearance for a proposed 256-hectare limestone mine by Dalmia Bharat Green Vision Limited at Ramgarh in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district.

 • Proximity to Critically Endangered Habitat: The proposed mining site and adjacent cement plant lie within the priority conservation area of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), a species whose wild population has dwindled to roughly 130 individuals. 

• Mismatch in Production Plan: The expert panel noted that the company’s proposal to extract 5.4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) was not in consonance with the Indian Bureau of Minesapproved plan of 2.99 MTPA, directing a complete revision of terms. 

• Concerns Over Controlled Blasting Impact: The panel mandated a revised action plan to ensure blasting operations do not compromise the safety of regional oil, natural gas, and water supply pipelines running through the area.

 • Mandatory WII Protocol Compliance: The project proponent was directed to strictly incorporate and implement recommendations from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) assessment study on direct and indirect ecological impacts. 

• Transport and Industrial Supply Linkages: Excavated limestone was designated for nearby captive cement production and steel melting shop supply, involving heavy truck transport along National Highway-68 to Sanu railway station.  

Essential Definitions 

• Terms of Reference (ToR): A baseline preliminary clearance scope issued by the MoEFCC specifying the parameter requirements and study guidelines for conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). 

• Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps): A flagship terrestrial grassland bird species native to the Indian subcontinent, currently listed as \'Critically Endangered\' on the IUCN Red List and under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 

• Priority Conservation Area: An ecologically fragile buffer zone surrounding core wildlife sanctuaries identified for stringent monitoring to protect threatened fauna from habitat fragmentation. 

Legal and Constitutional Framework

 • Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 & EIA Notification 2006: Mandates compulsory prior environmental clearance for mining projects following detailed public consultations and technical expert panel appraisal. 

• Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Provides statutory legal protection to Schedule I species like the GIB, prohibiting habitat destruction, illegal land diversion, and unauthorized commercial activities in critical habitats. 

• Article 48A, Constitution of India: Imposes a Directive Principle on the State to endeavor to protect and improve the environment and safeguard the nation\'s forests and wildlife. 

• Article 51A(g), Constitution of India: Outlines a Fundamental Duty for every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife. 

Conclusion The Ministry\'s decision to defer environmental clearance underscores the vital imperative of prioritizing ecological conservation over unviable industrial expansion. Strict enforcement of EIA guidelines, adherence to WII findings, and protection of critical grassland ecosystems are essential to ensure the survival of threatened species like the Great Indian Bustard. 

UPSC Relevance 

• GS Paper III: Environment and Ecology (Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental Impact Assessment, Species Recovery Program, Environmental Governance). 

• GS Paper II: Statutory Bodies and Government Policies (MoEFCC Frameworks, Wildlife Protection Protocols). • Key Focus: Great Indian Bustard Habitat Protection, EIA Review Process, WII Guidelines, Mining versus Ecological Sustainability.