Why is mining allowed in eco-sensitive zone, HC asks govt.

TNN | May 6, 2015, 02.08AM IST
AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat high court on Tuesday asked the state government why it permits mining activity in an eco-sensitive zone around the Gir sanctuary.

A bench headed by Justice Jayant Patel said that if the villages of Kekraj, Sanwada, Lavki and Bheswadi on the banks of Shetrunji River near Liliya in Amreli district fall in the eco-sensitive zone near the Gir sanctuary, the government must not grant mining permission. The court made it comments after a map presented by the state forest department showed the area in the eco-sensitive zone.

The government later claimed that the map appeared to be flawed and it would come up with another map on Wednesday.
The map of this area was prepared to respond to a PIL that alleged that due to mining activities and lighting of fires by labourers, wildlife was being harmed. Around 35 to 40 lions have made this area their home, but they are disturbed due to the fires on the banks of the river. The PIL also said that this is the proposed eco-sensitive zone and measures should be taken to protect wildlife.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Why-is-mining-allowed-in-eco-sensitive-zone-HC-asks-govt/articleshow/47168565.cms