In Re: T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India and Ors

Bench: 3 — L. Nageswara Rao, B.R. Gavai, Aniruddha Bose

In Brief

The Supreme Court addressed mining operations in Jamua Ramgarh wildlife sanctuary and prescribed ecosensitive zones (ESZ) around protected forests nationwide. The Court held that all national parks and wildlife sanctuaries must have a minimum one-kilometre ESZ from their boundaries, within which mining is prohibited and the 2011 Guidelines activities apply. Jamua Ramgarh is treated as a special case: existing activities may continue within 500 metres, but new activities require the full one-kilometre buffer. The Court rejected miners' requests to resume operations, emphasizing the Public Trust Doctrine and sustainable development principles. Site-specific ESZ modification is permitted only in compelling public interest cases approved by the Central Empowered Committee and Ministry. For unnotified sanctuaries, a 10-kilometre ESZ applies provisionally.

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Environmental Law Wildlife Conservation Forests and Forest Protection Mining and Environmental Regulation Public Interest Litigation Ecosensitive Zones Environmental Protection Act Wildlife Protection Act Forest Conservation Act Sustainable Development Public Trust Doctrine

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