NGT Principal Bench Seeks Replies on Plea to Resume Mining in Ranthambore Region

The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued notice to all parties in the case to resume mining activities on 208 hectares of forest lands in the Ranthambore area. This was during a hearing in MA No. 10/2026 (Original Application No. 431/2016) by Babu Lal Jaju against the Union of India & Others. The Principal Bench was presided over by Justice Prakash Srivastava. Expert Member Dr. A. Senthil Vel was also part of the bench. The applicant wanted to modify the order dated 2017.

What is noteworthy in the present case is that in its order dated October 11, 2017, the Tribunal had itself prohibited mining activities on 208 hectares of forest land and 201 hectares in the sanctuary/buffer zone of the Ranthambore National Park.

The senior counsel representing the applicant argued that all necessary statutory approvals had been obtained since the 2017 order. These included permission for forest land diversion under Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act and approval under Section 29 of the Wildlife Protection Act, dated June 9, 2025. The counsel argued that, in accordance with the freedom granted in the previous order, mining operations should now be permitted to resume on the 208 hectares of forest land.

The Tribunal issued notices to all parties, directing them to file their responses via e-filing at least one week before the next hearing. The applicant was also directed to ensure service of the notice to all parties and submit an affidavit. The next hearing of the case is scheduled for May 25, 2026.