New order restricts limestone mining in Chittorgarh

India’s Birla Corp has been restricted from mining limestone in Chittorgarh and near the Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary after a new order by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday.

The NGT requested the Pollution Control Board and local authorities "to immediately stop all mining activities within the municipal limits of Chittorgarh city and within 10km of the Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary or within the eco-sensitive zone of Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary, if finally notified."

A spokesman for the cement company has since responded to the order and reported that there no impact is expected. "We have taken effective steps to ensure that no mining takes place in the area that may fall within the above-mentioned limits. We do not anticipate any material impact on the current operations. The company has sufficient reserves in areas outside the limits imposed by the order."

Combined limestone production from the site was at 11.22Mta, according to The Telegraph.