Illegal Mining in Brij 84 Kos: The movement to save Aadi Badri and Kankanchal mountains from illegal mining in Bharatpur has finally succeeded.
Sant Vijay Das had committed self-immolation regarding the matter, after which the government immediately talked about declaring Kankanchal and Aadi Badri hill areas as protected forest areas.
After which the mining department has now cancelled all the 46 mining leases allotted in the disputed area.
The department has issued its official orders. Also, 757.40 hectares of land has been declared as protected forest area in the case.
According to Dr. Subodh Agrawal, Additional Chief Secretary, Mines Department, orders for cancellation have been issued to all 46 leaseholders after giving them an opportunity of being heard as per rules.
Now this area is mining free. The government has declared 757.40 hectares of land as forest land.
Bharatpur Collector transferred this land to the Forest Department by issuing an order on July 21.
45 mining leases of masonry stone and one mining lease of silica sand were approved in the 147.36-hectare area around Aadi Badri and Kankanchal mountain area.
The demand for a complete ban on mining in Aadi Badri and Kankanchal had been rising since 2004. Since then there have been several movements.
On July 4, 2022, Baba Haribol Das had warned of self-immolation in front of the Chief Minister's residence.
After this, on 18 July, Minister Vishvendra Singh held talks with the saints. On the demand of declaring forest area, Vishvendra Singh gave assurance.
But the very next day, on the morning of July 19, one of the agitating Baba Narayan Das climbed the mobile tower in Pasopa village.
Narayan Das was at the tower till the afternoon of July 20. On the other hand, Baba Vijay Das suddenly set himself on fire. After this, on 23 July, he breathed his last during treatment at a hospital in Delhi.