Ministry of Coal and Mines Cancels Auction of Nayakkarpatti Tungsten Mineral Block

Ministry of Coal and Mines Cancels Auction of Nayakkarpatti Tungsten Mineral Block

The Ministry of Coal and Mines has decided to cancel the auction of the Nayakkarpatti Tungsten Mineral Block in order to protect the Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS), which lies within the block’s area.

The Arittapatti BHS, located in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, is the state’s first BHS and holds significant ecological and historical value. The site is home to megalithic structures, Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, 2,200-year-old rock-cut temples, and more.

About Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS):

• Definition: BHS refers to distinct and ecologically fragile ecosystems that are unique and may include one or more important components (as illustrated in the infographic).
• First BHS in India: The Nallur Tamarind Grove in Bengaluru, established in 2007.
• Current Status: As of December 2024, there are 47 BHSs in India.
• Legal Provision: According to Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act (BDA), 2002, a state government, in consultation with local bodies, may declare an area as a BHS. The state and central governments may frame rules for its management and conservation.
• Management: BHSs are managed by Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) or other appropriate institutions designated by local authorities when no BMC exists. Under the BDA, 2002, every local body in the state is required to establish a BMC to promote conservation, sustainable use, and documentation of biological diversity.
• Monitoring: A State-level Monitoring Committee, formed by the state biodiversity board, oversees the monitoring of BHSs.

Generally, no restrictions are imposed on local communities regarding their traditional practices or resource use within the proposed BHS.

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