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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Despite SC ban illegal mining intensified near Kaziranga, says CEC report
The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has told the Supreme Court that illegal mining has continued and intensified in Assam's Parkup Pahar area near the Kaziranga National Park, despite a 2019 top court order banning all mining and related activities in and around the park's eco-sensitive zone. Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to around 65 per cent of the endangered one-horned rhino population in the world. It forms part of an important wildlife corridor between the Brahmaputra floodplains and the Karbi Anglong hills. The Supreme Court, acting on earlier findings by the CEC, had prohibited all mining and related activities in this region to prevent degradation of critical wildlife habitats and forested landscapes. Based on a complaint from an anonymous government employee in Assam and field-level verification, the CEC submitted a fresh report dated May 30 to the SC, saying that mining activities in the region have "continued and intensified" despite the apex court's ban ordered on April 4, 2019. Rampant mining continues, particularly in the Parkup Pahar Range, a declared wildlife sanctuary forming the southern boundary of the Kaziranga National Park, the report said. The complaint received from the government employee in December 2024 contained Google Earth imagery from 2019 to 2023 and site-specific data. The images reportedly showed that mining, which had stopped following the SC's 2019 ban order, resumed and intensified after 2021. The CEO forwarded the complaint to the Assam forest and police departments, requesting a factual report. The principal chief conservator of forests, Assam, submitted a detailed report on February 5, outlining the actions taken, including the suspension of mining leases. The report confirmed that stone mining was occurring close to the Borjuri Waterfall and its surrounding streams, which flow towards Kaziranga. The CEC report also said the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) gave fresh permissions for dozens of mines in forest areas and in proposed eco-sensitive zones, violating the SC ban and without the required approval from the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife and the Central government under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The panel said KAAC had no authority to issue such permissions. The committee recommended that all mining and related activities in the Parkup Pahar area and the forested catchments be immediately stopped and no new leases be granted. It also asked KAAC to submit a detailed watershed drainage analysis report to delineate the catchment area and the eco-sensitive streams flowing into Kaziranga. The CEC also said the Assam government may approach the Gauhati High Court to seek review of its recent orders allowing mining in some cases, as the court had not been informed about the Supreme Court's 2019 directions. It instructed the KAAC to file quarterly status reports through the chief secretary of Assam and asked the DGP and the Karbi Anglong SP to take immediate and effective steps to ensure that no illegal mining and transportation of minerals from the area is allowed.
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Illegal mining near Kaziranga intensified despite SC ban: CEC report
NEW DELHI: The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has told the Supreme Court that illegal mining has continued and intensified in Assam's Parkup Pahar area near the Kaziranga National Park, despite a 2019 top court order banning all mining and related activities in and around the park's eco-sensitive zone. Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to around 65 per cent of the endangered one-horned rhino population in the world. It forms part of an important wildlife corridor between the Brahmaputra floodplains and the Karbi Anglong hills. The Supreme Court, acting on earlier findings by the CEC, had prohibited all mining and related activities in this region to prevent degradation of critical wildlife habitats and forested landscapes. Based on a complaint from an anonymous government employee in Assam and field-level verification, the CEC submitted a fresh report dated May 30 to the SC, saying that mining activities in the region have "continued and intensified" despite the apex court's ban ordered on April 4, 2019. "Rampant mining continues, particularly in the Parkup Pahar Range, a declared wildlife sanctuary forming the southern boundary of the Kaziranga National Park," the report said. The complaint received from the government employee in December 2024 contained Google Earth imagery from 2019 to 2023 and site-specific data. The images reportedly showed that mining, which had stopped following the SC's 2019 ban order, resumed and intensified after 2021. The CEO forwarded the complaint to the Assam forest and police departments, requesting a factual report. The principal chief conservator of forests, Assam, submitted a detailed report on February 5, outlining the actions taken, including the suspension of mining leases. The report confirmed that stone mining was occurring close to the Borjuri Waterfall and its surrounding streams, which flow towards Kaziranga. The CEC report also said the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) gave fresh permissions for dozens of mines in forest areas and in proposed eco-sensitive zones, violating the SC ban and without the required approval from the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife and the Central government under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The panel said KAAC had no authority to issue such permissions. The committee recommended that all mining and related activities in the Parkup Pahar area and the forested catchments be immediately stopped and no new leases be granted. It also asked KAAC to submit a detailed watershed drainage analysis report to delineate the catchment area and the eco-sensitive streams flowing into Kaziranga. The CEC also said the Assam government may approach the Gauhati High Court to seek review of its recent orders allowing mining in some cases, as the court had not been informed about the Supreme Court's 2019 directions. It instructed the KAAC to file quarterly status reports through the chief secretary of Assam and asked the DGP and the Karbi Anglong SP to take "immediate and effective steps to ensure that no illegal mining and transportation of minerals from the area is allowed".
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Binita Chetry? 9-year-old dance sensation who made history on ‘Britain's Got Talent'
NEW DELHI: Binita Chetry, a 9-year-old dancer from a remote village in Assam 's Karbi Anglong district, has captured hearts worldwide by finishing as the second runner-up on the globally renowned reality show Britain's Got Talent (BGT). Her incredible journey from the small village of Talbalijan near Bokajan to one of the world's biggest stages is inspiring millions. Her father, Amar Chetry, runs a small broiler chicken farm and is actively involved in local social work. "She has been learning dance since she was three years old. She participated in reality shows in Mumbai and in the South. Now she's the second runner-up in Britain's Got Talent. This is not just an achievement for our family but for the whole country," he said. "Thanks to everyone's love and support, she has reached this global stage. " Despite her rising fame, Binita remains grounded. She is currently in the fifth grade and continues to juggle her academics with dance. 'Sometimes, it's difficult, but I manage,' she said. When asked about her future, she smiled and said, 'I just want to improve my dancing and become better.' Before stepping onto the BGT stage, Binita had already made her mark in Indian dance circuits, appearing in shows like Super Dancer 4 and Dance Deewane Junior . She later went on to win Dance Icon Season 2 , a victory that paved the way for her entry into the international arena. Her intricate dance routines, featuring physically demanding elements like backflips, won repeated standing ovations from BGT judges and audiences alike. Judges Bruno Tonioli and Simon Cowell were particularly impressed, with Simon reportedly saying he had 'never seen such a performance before.' She also acknowledged the crucial support from Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Tuliram Ronghang, the Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), who provided Rs 5 lakh in financial aid and local MLA and Deputy Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Numal Momin. CM Sarma congratulated the 9-year-old for her historic achievement at the BGT 2025 finals. Her childhood dream, as shared during her audition, was to win the show so she could buy a "pink princess house" a dream that now feels closer to reality. Upon her return to Assam, Binita was greeted with a hero's welcome, with flowers, cheers, and admiration from well-wishers, cultural groups, and state officials. In the BGT 2025 finale held on Saturday night, Binita secured the second runner-up position. British magician Harry Moulding took the top prize, while LED dance group 'The Blackouts' finished second. With this achievement, Binita became the first Asian contestant in the show's history to reach the podium.
India.com
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet Assam's 9-Year-Old Binita Chetry, Broiler Farmer's Daughter Who Bagged Third Place On Britain's Got Talent
New Delhi: Assam's Binita Chetry's big win in Britain's Got Talent 2025 has made Indians across the country proud and impressed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Chief Minister appreciated the nine-year-old for making India proud on the global stage. Sharing a video along with a congratulatory message for her historic achievement, Sarma wrote, 'Dancing her way to glory. Many congratulations to our very own Binita Chetry on securing the 3rd spot at the Britain's Got Talent final. Her performances have mesmerized audiences from the Brahmaputra to the Thames and made us all proud.' In the video, her name is announced as the second runner-up, and she shares her experience: 'I am very happy and proud of myself, and it's the best experience.' As the audience cheered and clapped for her, the nine-year-old expressed gratitude with folded hands. Dancing her way to glory Many congratulations to our very own #BinitaChetry on securing the 3rd spot at #BGTFinal. Her performances have mesmerized audiences from the Brahmaputra to the Thames and made us all proud. I wish her all the best for her future endeavours — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 1, 2025 Who is Binita Chetry? Binita belongs to a small village called Talbalijan near Bokajan. Her energetic dance performances led her to become the first contestant from India to reach the finals of the prestigious competition. The British show was held on Saturday night, and the winner was announced as British magician Harry Moulding, while LED dance troupe The Blackouts bagged the runner-up position. During her audition, Binita revealed she dreams of winning the competition to buy a 'pink princess house.' The young dancer was supported by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), which provided her with ₹5 lakh in financial assistance for her finale preparations. She also received support from Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member of KAAC, and Numal Momin, Deputy Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly. Family Background Binita's father, Amar Chetry, is a broiler farm owner from Bokajan. Despite a modest upbringing, Binita's determination remained unfazed. An executive member and district vice president of the All Assam Gorkha Students' Union (AAGSU) arranged for the nine-year-old's dance training—first in Guwahati and later in Jaipur. Binita expressed gratitude to the Assam CM for his 'immense support.' She said, 'I want to personally meet our Chief Minister, Himanta Mama, in Guwahati and thank him for his immense support and blessings in my journey. I hope this message reaches him, and I get the opportunity to meet him.' Britain's Got Talent is a British talent show competition and part of the global Got Talent franchise created by Simon Cowell.
