: Centre clears mining in Rajasthan’s protected area to reportedly supply sandstone for Ayodhya temple #IndiaNEWS The Centre has given an in-principle approval to convert 398 hectares of protected

Centre clears mining in Rajasthan’s protected area to reportedly supply sandstone for Ayodhya temple #IndiaNEWS
The Centre has given an in-principle approval to convert 398 hectares of protected forest land into revenue land to allow mining of pink sandstone in the vicinity of Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, the Hindustan Times reported. The proposal was cleared because the unique coloured sandstone is being used in the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, according to some reports.Until now, mining was not allowed in Bansi Paharpur block, where the stone is found, as it was part of the wildlife sanctuary. Following the Centre’s clearance, the Rajasthan government will conduct an online auction of the mining blocks.“In the 398 hectares that are to be diverted, we expect to develop about 70 mining blocks and auction them,??? Subodh Agarwal, additional chief secretary (mines and petroleum) told The Times of India. “We have already started delineating the area and aim to complete it by the end of this month.???Agarwal said the decision would legalise mining in the area, from where the pink Bansi Paharpur sandstone has constantly been sourced for black markets. Reports have suggested that the Rajasthan government sought permission from the Centre to allow mining, following deliberations with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.In October, the Rajasthan government began the paperwork for the required approval, according to The Indian Express. The move came after supply...Read more

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