SC wants answers from Centre, ASI on Braj

PIL stated that failure to curb illegal mining in Braj region was causing environmental degradation.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought response from the Centre, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and State Governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan on a petition.

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The PIL stated that failure to curb illegal mining in Braj region was causing environmental degradation threatening eco and spiritual tourism.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice YK Sabharwal, Justice CK Thakker and Justice RV Raveendran issued notices to them on a PIL alleging that inaction on the part of the state machineries was posing serious threat to the ecology and unbroken socio-cultural heritage of the region which is more than 5000 years old.

Some districts adjoining Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan comprises Braj region which is inhabited by several herbivorous like spotted deer, sambar, blue bulls and certain species on the verge of extinction and surrounds the Keoladev National Park and Sariska Tiger Reserve.

The PIL, filed by three persons from the region, stated that despite there being laws to prevent the problems of environment, the authorities are not implementing them to prevent damage.

The official apathy was causing threat to tourism as over 15 million tourists from all over the world visit the region.