Prakash Javadekar asks states to impose strict laws to curb illegal sand mining

Minister of Environment and Forest Prakash Javadekar has asked States to take the issue of sand mining mafias seriously and impose strict laws to bring an end to the practice.

Addressing the 15th National Forest Martyrs Day programme in New Delhi yesterday, Mr Javadekar appealed that sustainable sand mining must be practiced so as to prevent the depletion of natural resources from river beds. Giving a stern warning to the Sand Mafias, the Minister stated that the situation will be reviewed and those found not abiding shall be punished.

The Union Minister stated that despite the new sustainable sand mining rules and regulations being passed, many states and regions are not abiding by the rules. A forest home guard Kewal Singh was mowed down by a tractor when he along with his colleague tried to stop suspected members of a mining mafia inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar.

The Minister said, in order to prevent the river beds from drying completely, sustainable sand mining must be practiced. He said, killings of foresters or revenue staff working towards the initiative of sustainable sand mining is completely unacceptable and that steps will be taken to make sure the offenders are punished.

On this occasion, the Minister remembered and paid tribute to the martyrs who lost their lives while protecting the invaluable fauna, flora and our natural resources from forest fires, smugglers and mafias.

Expressing deep anguish about a forest staff who was killed by Sandalwood smugglers, Mr Javadekar stated that amendments shall be made in regulations so that sandalwood can be cultivated more widely. He also paid tribute to all forest martyrs who lost their lives fighting forest fires and due to wildlife attacks by tigers, elephants and single horned rhino. Certificates were issued in remembrance of the forest personnel who laid their live



while performing their duty in the year 2019-20.

The impressive and extensive biodiversity of India is guarded by a dedicated workforce of Forest Officers and staff who relentlessly work towards the protection and improvement of this irreplaceable wealth. Over the years the department has lost its forest guardians while protecting the faunal and flora wealth of nature and also in the human wildlife conflicts. It was in the recognition of exemplary valour and sacrifices made by the forest personnel, in various parts of the country for the protection of our environment, forest and wildlife, that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had declared 11th September, as National Forest Martyrs Day.

The date September 11 was chosen as National Forest Martyrs Day due to its historical significance. On this day, in 1730, over 360 people of the Bishnoi tribe led by Amrita Devi, objected to the felling of trees and due to their protest to save the trees were killed in Khejarli, Rajasthan on the orders of the king. A foundation stone of the memorial pillar was laid on 3rd October 2012 at the Memorial site near Brandis Road, FRI, Dehradun. A Forester Memorial has also been raised in Forest Research Institute campus, Dehradun to commemorate the sacrifices made by all those foresters who have laid down their lives in protecting the Forests and Biodiversity of our country.

The Environment Ministry with Japan International Co-operation Agency, JICA Aided Project “Capacity Development for Forest Management and Training of Personnel” in 13 states has been instrumental in bringing overall qualitative and quantitative improvements for frontline staff of the state Government. JICA has also indicated consent for the second phase. For further strengthening the Ministry is also working on a SOP to support frontline staff and their family members.