The Supreme Court on Thursday emphasised the urgent need to protect forests and natural ecosystems across India, observing that states like Jharkhand possess ecological wealth that must be preserved for long-term environmental sustainability. The observations were made by a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice V Mohana while hearing a petition filed by the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board, which is challenging directions issued by the Jharkhand High Court concerning environmental clearance norms for stone mining and stone crusher operations near forest areas.

During the hearing, the bench underscored that certain states in India function as “natural paradises” due to their dense forest cover and biodiversity, and therefore require stronger protective measures. The Chief Justice reportedly noted that Jharkhand is among those regions where ecological preservation must be prioritised given its significant forest resources. The case pertains to earlier orders passed by the Jharkhand High Court regulating the granting of consent for stone mining and stone crushing units in proximity to forest boundaries.

The High Court had issued interim directions restricting environmental clearances within specified buffer zones to minimise ecological damage and prevent unchecked industrial expansion near protected forest land. In January, the High Court had directed that no consent be granted for stone mining or stone crusher operations within one kilometre of demarcated forest boundaries. Later, in April, it modified its stance, reinforcing buffer restrictions and stating that permissions should not be granted within 500 metres for mining activities and 400 metres for stone crushers.

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The Supreme Court bench noted during Thursday’s hearing that the regulatory authority had reportedly reduced the permissible distance for such activities in an abrupt manner, raising concerns over whether environmental safeguards were being adequately maintained. The court’s remarks indicated apprehension about weakening protections for forest-adjacent zones. The dispute originates from a notification issued by the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board that had reduced the minimum distance required for setting up mining and crushing units near forest areas from an earlier range of 400–500 metres to 250 metres.

This notification was challenged before the High Court, leading to the current litigation. The apex court’s observations highlight the ongoing judicial scrutiny over balancing industrial development with environmental protection, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions. The matter is expected to continue before the Supreme Court as it examines the validity of regulatory changes and their potential impact on forest conservation efforts.

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