Dehradun: The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has rejected the Pokhani Soapstone Mining Project near the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand, citing potential threats to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
The Centre has declined the Uttarakhand government’s proposal due to environmental concerns. This decision was taken by the Standing Committee of the NBWL, operating under the Ministry of Forests and Climate Change. The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, situated at an altitude of approximately 7000 feet, is home to many endangered species, including the Himalayan musk deer, snow leopards, Goral, Himalayan tahr, and Himalayan griffon.
Ten km area around National Park is treated as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)
An area extending ten km around the National Park is treated as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). The mining project was proposed to be around two km away from the wildlife sanctuary on agricultural land. According to the Environment Ministry guidelines, if the state government does not fix the zone, an area ten kilometers around the park is considered an ESZ to protect the surrounding ecosystem. During a recent meeting, the Director of the Department of Mines, Uttarakhand, clarified that the proposed site is approximately 2.5 kilometers from the boundary of the protected area.
Project’s location in ESZ led to its rejection
The project’s location within the default ESZ ultimately led to its rejection. The Special Secretary from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change pointed out that the ESZ for the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary has not yet been officially notified, meaning the default ten-km ESZ applies. This lack of official notification and the project’s location within the default ESZ contributed to the decision to reject the project.
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare species
The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning 326 square kilometers, is home to rare species such as the alpine musk deer, Himalayan tahr, snow leopard, and Himalayan griffon. Wildlife experts emphasize the crucial role soapstone mountains play in water conservation and retention. However, reckless mining has significantly damaged the Himalayan ecosystem, making such activities environmentally unsustainable and unacceptable from an ecological perspective.
Recently, HC banned mining in Bageshwar
A few days ago, growing concerns over unregulated soapstone mining in Uttarakhand, particularly in the Bageshwar district, have been raised. With over 160 operational mines in the area, the Uttarakhand High Court has directed stricter norms and a ban on illegal soapstone mining activities in Bageshwar.
Soapstone is abundantly found in Uttarakhand
Soapstone, a metamorphic rock rich in talc, is abundantly found in Uttarakhand, especially in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions, making the state a leading producer in India. Key mining areas include Bageshwar, Almora, Pithoragarh, and Chamoli districts, with notable sites such as Kapkot, Someshwar, Berinag, and Didihat. Known for its heat resistance, softness, and moisture-retaining properties, soapstone is widely used in industries like cosmetics, ceramics, paints, and paper, as well as for crafting sculptures and utensils, and even in fertilizers.
