In News:

The District Magistrate of Baramulla has ordered the immediate closure of 14 gypsum mining units operating within the prohibited 1-km radius of the Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary in north Kashmir’s Uri subdivision, following directives from the Supreme Court of India.

Background and Legal Context

• The decision is based on the Supreme Court judgment in State of Uttarakhand & Others vs. Nandan Singh Bora & Others, which mandates that no mining or quarrying activity is permissible within 1 km of any protected forest or wildlife sanctuary.
• Furthermore, if the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of a sanctuary extends beyond 1 km, the restriction applies to the entire notified ESZ area.
• Subsequent surveys conducted by the Wildlife Warden, North Kashmir Division (Sopore), confirmed that several gypsum mining units were functioning within the restricted buffer zone of Lachipora. Acting on this report, the district authorities ordered the immediate suspension of all mining operations to prevent further ecological degradation.
• Officials emphasized that the move aims to preserve the fragile ecology of the region, which forms a vital part of the North Kashmir forest belt and supports diverse wildlife species. The crackdown also aligns with the Geology and Mining Department’s intensified efforts to curb illegal quarrying across Baramulla district.

About Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Situated in Baramulla district, Jammu & Kashmir, near the village of Lachipora, on the northern banks of the Jhelum River.
• Established: 1987
• Area: 141 sq. km
• Altitude Range: 1,630–3,300 metres
• Topography: Comprises a varied landscape of alpine meadows, gentle to steep slopes, and rocky cliffs, supporting rich biodiversity.

Ecological Significance

• Flora:The sanctuary hosts extensive coniferous forests of deodar, Himalayan white pine, and blue pine, along with broadleaf species such as birch, horse chestnut, West Himalayan fir, and Persian walnut.
• Fauna:
  • Habitat for endangered species like the Hangul (Kashmir stag) and Markhor, a wild goat known for its spiral horns.
  • Home to Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, and several small mammals.
  • Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) for harboring the vulnerable Western Tragopan and other high-altitude avifauna.