The Centre on Thursday stayed all tourism and eco-tourism activities at the Parasnath Hill in Jharkhand's Giridih district, where Sammed Shikharji, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Jains, is located.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has directed the Jharkhand government to strictly enforce the relevant provisions of the management plan for the Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary that specifically prohibit damage to flora or fauna; coming with pets; playing loud music or use of loudspeakers; defiling religious and cultural significance such as sacred monuments, lakes, rocks, caves, and shrines; sale of liquor, drugs, and other intoxicants etc.; and unauthorised camping and trekking, among others.
The move came after the ministry over the last few days received several representations from different organisations representing the Jain Samaj about the issues related to certain activities taking place in the Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which adversely affected the sentiments of the followers of Jainism.
The grievances included faulty implementation of the provisions of the notification declaring Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary as an Eco Sensitive Zone by the Jharkhand government. It has been said that such negligence by the state authorities has hurt the sentiments of the Jain community.
In this regard, a meeting was convened by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav with different representatives of the Jain community for discussing the entire issue and also to come out with a possible solution.
The representatives turned up in large number and spoke about the current situation at Sammed Shikharji and also about the demands of the community to maintain the piousness of the place.
"In reference to the Eco Sensitive Zone notification dated August 2, 2019, issued to protect a buffer zone beyond the sacred Parashnath Hill, the implementation of provisions of Clause 3 of the said Eco Sensitive Zone notification is stayed forthwith, including, among others, all tourism and eco-tourism activities. The state government is directed to immediately take all the steps necessary to ensure the same," the ministry said.
"In addition, for effective monitoring of the provisions of the above Eco Sensitive Zone notification under sub-section (3) of section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Central government has constituted a monitoring committee under Clause 5 of the said notification.
"The state government is directed to have two members from the Jain community and one member from the local tribal community as permanent invitees to this monitoring committee, enabling appropriate involvement and oversight by important stakeholders," it added.
It may be mentioned here that on Tuesday, a 72-year-old Jain monk, who was on fast protesting the Jharkhand government's decision to declare Sammed Shikharji as a tourist place, had died in Jaipur.
BJP ally Tipra Motha Party threatens to withdraw support if govt does not fulfil promises
Tripura's ruling coalition partner, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), on Thursday threatened to withdraw its support from the BJP-led government if the Centre did not fulfil the provisions of the tripartite accord signed on March 2 last year.
Not new procedure, been in place since 2009: EAM Jaishankar on deportation row
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that there has been "no change from the past procedure" in the deportation of illegal immigrants by the United States, emphasizing that the process is "not a new one".
Cong seeks discussion in LS, dignified treatment for deported Indians by US
The Indian nationals who were deported from the US for illegally arriving in the country on Wednesday claimed that they were sent back on the military aircraft with their hands and legs cuffed throughout the journey.
J&K mysterious deaths: All pesticide, insecticide shops sealed in Rajouri district
All pesticide and insecticide shops have been sealed by authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Rajouri district as part of preventive measures taken after 17 ‘mysterious deaths’ took place in Budhal village, officials said on Thursday.
Pariksha Pe Charcha: PM Modi to engage with students; Sadguru, Mary Kom, Deepika to join discussion
The much-anticipated eighth edition of 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' (PPC) is set to return in an expanded format, featuring an array of distinguished experts and guests, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Maha Kumbh: 25,000 tribal devotees to take holy dip at Triveni Sangam
In a historic event, around 25,000 devotees from tribal communities across the country will converge at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj to take a holy dip at the Sangam and pledge to safeguard their religion, culture, and traditions.
White House dials down Trump's plan to 'take over' Gaza
The White House said on Wednesday that President Donald Trump had not committed any funds for his proposal for the US to take over Gaza or deploy troops there for that purpose.
After US, Israel withdraws participation from UN Human Rights Council
A day after US President Donald Trump announced America's withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa'ar, has said that Israel would also join the US in its decision not to participate in the UNHRC.