New Delhi, June 5 (Reporter) The Supreme Court recently ordered the Rajasthan government to impose an immediate ban on all mining activities within the core area of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. A bench, comprising Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Justices A G Masih and A S Chandurkar, emphasised that this ban must be strictly enforced, with no interference permitted from stakeholders. The Court directed, "The State is required to submit an affidavit within six weeks detailing the steps taken to implement the ban." Additionally, the bench constituted a three-member committee to address the growing concerns of overcrowding and vehicular traffic within the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, which houses the ecologically sensitive Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH). The Committee will also look into the effect of religious gatherings at the Trinetra Temple, which is located five km inside the reserve within the Ranthambhore Fort, attracting large crowds The Committee will propose measures to strike a balance between the ecological needs of the reserve and the religious sentiments of devotees visiting the Trinetra Ganesha Temple, situated deep within the forest. The Court was hearing an application highlighting multiple threats to the integrity of the Tiger Reserve, including illegal mining, unauthorised constructions and delayed ecological protection measures. The Court ordered the State of Rajasthan to impose an immediate ban on all mining activities within the core area of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. The petitioner highlighted the effect of religious gatherings at the Trinetra Temple, where over 10,000 pilgrims on Wednesdays, nearly 6,000 on Sundays and around 2,500 on other days gather there. The Court noted severe environmental strain caused by the influx of pilgrims, including illegal parking of over 7,500 vehicles on a six km stretch within the core zone, use of firewood for cooking and plastic waste accumulation, leading to ecological disruption in high-density tiger habitats. The petition highlighted that approximately 150 hectares near Uliyana village within the CTH are reportedly subject to unregulated mining activities. Operations involving heavy machinery and vehicle movement pose serious threats to the fragile ecosystem. The petition highlighted concerns over unlawful construction and commercial encroachments in the area. The petitioner said that despite existing prohibitions, illegal constructions continue, particularly around religious structures like the Kachida Mataji Temple. Pilgrims are reportedly contributing to littering and environmental degradation in the reserve. The Court was informed that due to the State's inaction in declaring ESZ boundaries, commercial development like hotels, farmhouses and motels, has proliferated inside sensitive zones. The neglect of historic structures and iconic heritage sites such as Jogi Mahal, Battees Khamba, Ranthambhore Fort and others is reportedly falling into disrepair. The Court acknowledged the need for preservation of these structures given their cultural and historical significance. To provide balanced solutions, the Court appointed the following members to the newly constituted committee: Collector, Sawai Madhopur, Field Director, Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve and one member from the Central Empowered Committee (CEC). The Court directed the Committee to consider the interests of pilgrims and ecological integrity, and to consult stakeholders, including representatives of the Trinetra Ganesha Temple Trust. Senior Advocate K Parameshwar appeared as Amicus Curiae, while AAG Shiv Mangal Sharma represented the State of Rajasthan. The Court stressed the need to harmonise environmental preservation with cultural and religious practices, while holding authorities accountable for enforcement and ecological protection within protected areas...////...