Jharkhand High Court Halts Illegal Mining in Hazaribagh, Laments Ecological Decay

The Jharkhand High Court ordered an immediate halt to illegal stone mining and crusher operations in Hazaribagh’s Ichak region, describing the environmental destruction as a "relentless assault on life."

The Court lamented that the "City of a Thousand Gardens" is becoming a "graveyard of grey" due to unregulated quarrying.

The Court criticized state authorities for failing to act despite having satellite surveillance and GPS tools. Directing the District Level Task Force to verify all statutory clearances within eight weeks. 

Additionally, the Court mandated the "Polluter Pays" principle and prohibited mining within one kilometer of the Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary.

[Hemant Kumar Shikarwar v. State of Jharkhand & Ors.]