Save Hills of Bandh Baretha: A Call to Protect Rajasthan’s Natural Heritage
Feb 27, 2025
Save Hills of Bandh Baretha: A Call to Protect Rajasthan’s Natural Heritage
A Call to Save Bandh Baretha’s Hills
Nestled within Bharatpur, Rajasthan, the Bandh Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary is home to diverse flora, fauna, and historical significance. However, this ecological paradise is under severe threat due to illegal mining, deforestation, and habitat destruction. The hills of Bandh Baretha, rich in sandstone reserves, are being ruthlessly exploited, leading to environmental degradation and loss of wildlife.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken serious action against these illegal mining activities, but urgent public awareness and governmental intervention are needed to save the hills of Bandh Baretha before it’s too late.
The Crisis: How Illegal Mining is Destroying Bandh Baretha
Unregulated Mining and Environmental Damage
The Bandh Baretha hills are being extensively quarried for their sandstone, which is in high demand for construction. Bansi Paharpur sandstone, prominently used in projects like the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, has been a target for illegal extraction despite government attempts to regulate mining in the region.
Major Environmental Consequences:
- Deforestation 🌳 – Large sections of forests are being cleared to extract sandstone.
- Wildlife Habitat Destruction 🦌 – The natural home of leopards, deer, and migratory birds is shrinking.
- Air and Water Pollution 💨💧 – Unchecked mining has led to dust pollution and water contamination.
- Loss of Ecological Balance ⚖ – The damage to hills disrupts rainwater absorption, soil stability, and biodiversity.
- State Revenue Loss 💸 – Illegal mining leads to billions in revenue loss for the government.
NGT’s Intervention: A Step Towards Conservation
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), in its order dated March 7, 2024, has issued strong directives to control illegal mining in Bandh Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary.
Key Actions Ordered by the NGT:
✅ Inquiry into Corruption – The Chief Secretary & Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have been directed to investigate local officials’ involvement in illegal mining.
✅ Crackdown on Illegal Miners – The seizure of mining equipment, heavy machinery, and transportation vehicles used in illegal stone extraction.
✅ Environmental Penalties – Strict fines and compensation under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and Environmental Protection Laws.
✅ Restoration Plan – A Management Plan for ecological restoration was ordered but remains unimplemented.
✅ Regular Monitoring & Reporting – The next hearing is scheduled for April 22, 2024, requiring an action report on environmental conservation efforts.
The Role of Government: Failed Attempts to Legalize Mining
Unfinished Plans for Legalized Mining
The previous Rajasthan government (Congress) had sanctioned the conversion of 200 hectares in Bansi Paharpur for regulated mining. However, the plan was stalled for over two years due to delays in securing Environmental Clearance (EC).
🔴 Impact of Delayed Legal Mining:
- Legal mining remains inactive, while illegal miners operate unchecked.
- Lack of proper monitoring encourages more unauthorized activities.
- Sandstone extraction continues without safety or sustainability guidelines.
Solution? A strict environmental management policy, combined with legal alternatives, is required to protect Bandh Baretha’s hills from destruction.
Why We Must Save Bandh Baretha Hills?
1. Home to Endangered Wildlife 🦜🦊
Bandh Baretha is a natural habitat for:
- Leopards & Caracals
- Spotted Deer & Sambar Deer
- Indian Pangolin & Striped Hyena
- Migratory Birds (Spoonbills, Painted Storks, Peafowls, and Kingfishers)
Without protection, their home will be lost forever!
2. Vital for Rajasthan’s Ecological Balance 🌱
The hills and forests of Bandh Baretha act as:
- Natural Air Purifiers – Absorbing dust and carbon emissions.
- Water Conservers – Storing groundwater and regulating rainfall.
- Climate Regulators – Preventing desertification in Rajasthan.
3. Preserving Cultural & Historical Heritage 🏰
The red sandstone from Bandh Baretha has been used in:
- Mughal-era monuments like Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort.
- Modern constructions like Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
- Historic Kishan Mahal & Weir Fort stand on these ancient lands.
If mining continues unchecked, future generations will lose this rich legacy forever.
What Can Be Done to Save Bandh Baretha Hills?
1. Strengthen Law Enforcement
- Strict anti-mining patrols with drones and surveillance cameras.
- Severe penalties for illegal miners and officials involved in corruption.
- Community watchdogs to report illegal activities.
2. Legal, Sustainable Mining Alternatives
- Approve and implement Eco-friendly sandstone mining zones.
- Ensure strict environmental guidelines are followed.
- Revenue generated must be used for forest conservation efforts.
3. Reforestation & Eco-Restoration
- Mass afforestation drives to restore degraded land.
- Ban the cutting of native trees in mining areas.
- Wildlife protection corridors to prevent habitat fragmentation.
4. Public Awareness & Citizen Action
- NGOs and environmental activists should push for conservation policies.
- Schools & Colleges should engage in awareness campaigns.
- Social Media Movements like #SaveBandhBaretha can amplify the cause.
Act Now to Save Bandh Baretha Hills!
The hills of Bandh Baretha are more than just sandstone quarries—they are lifelines of biodiversity, history, and culture. Illegal mining is causing irreversible damage, but with strong legal action and public support, we can still save this natural treasure.
✅ Raise Awareness 🗣
✅ Support Conservation Movements 🌿
✅ Pressure the Government for Action ⚖
It’s time to save Bandh Baretha before it’s too late! Every action counts. 🌍💚
