10-km mining buffer applies to all wetland reserves: SC, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court orally clarified that a 10-km mining buffer zone, initially applied to the Asan wetland conservation reserve in Uttarakhand, will now extend to all wetland reserves across India.
• This decision was made to ensure parity in environmental protection for wetlands nationwide.
• The ruling came during a hearing on a petition filed by Himachal Pradesh, which sought exemption from such restrictions.
• The Bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, emphasized that the entire Himalayan terrain should be governed by the same set of directions.

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Detailed Insights:

• The Asan wetland conservation reserve is a designated Ramsar site, highlighting its international ecological importance.
• The Supreme Court's decision aims to provide uniform protection to these crucial ecosystems, preventing localized degradation.
• Wetlands are vital for numerous ecosystem services, including water purification, flood control, groundwater recharge, and supporting rich biodiversity.
• India is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
• The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, provide a regulatory framework for wetland conservation in India.
• These rules prohibit activities like land reclamation, setting up new industries, and dumping of solid or hazardous waste within notified wetland boundaries.
• The ruling underscores the judiciary's role in enforcing environmental regulations and ensuring consistent application of protective measures across states.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Ramsar Sites: Wetlands designated as internationally important under the Ramsar Convention for their ecological significance.
• Wetland Conservation Reserves: Areas specifically identified and managed for the protection and sustainable use of wetland ecosystems.
• Mining Buffer Zone: A specified area around a protected site where mining activities are restricted or prohibited to mitigate environmental impact.
• Judicial Parity: The principle of treating similar cases or situations alike to ensure fairness and consistency in legal judgments.