National Green Tribunal issued directives stating that there will be no more mining within an area of 10 sq.km. of Chittorgarh city.The directive was enforced following an appeal of 2017 that stated the deteriorating condition of Chittorgarh’s environment and its hazardous effect on people’s lives.

The appeal had mentioned that cement companies and some other firms are carrying out mining operations on lease within the city. As a result, the atmosphere of Chittor has become extremely polluted. People cannot even witness proper sunlight in the city. The dust particles as a result of mining have even polluted the water of Gambhiri river of Chittor which is the main source of drinking water. The mining activities have been extravagant and the pollution has resulted in a serious health issue. Almost 10 lakh citizens of Chittor and nearby regions are now under the risk of Silicosis, a disease which affects lungs.

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The appeal against mining also mentioned that Bassi Wild Life Sanctuary was also suffering immensely. Mining is hazardous for the wild life as well and migratory birds have stopped coming to the sanctuary because of pollution.

It has been informed that High Court had stayed mining in this area and the lease holders were penalised with 5 crore rupees, but the appeal of the lease holders was driven to Supreme Court and mining had begun once again. Now National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken further action and demanded a complete detailed report from Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in this case via notice twice. Since ASI did not respond to this notice, NGT has issued directives to stop mining within 10 sq km of the city area of Chittorgarh.