Protest against mining lease in sacred Karni Mata oran

Jaipur: People from Riyabadi and surrounding areas have been protesting against a sand mining lease allotted in the Karni Mata Temple Oran, a grove deeply revered by the local community. The protest entered its ninth consecutive day on Thursday, with Riyabadi's markets shut and villagers demanding immediate cancellation of the lease.The protesters have raised three key demands before the district administration, the foremost being the revocation of the sand mining lease. They argue that the lease endangers both the sanctity of the religious site and the ecological health of the Luni river basin.Former sarpanch Bharat Saini said, "The area is sacred, and the govt must understand that it is not meant for mining. The Luni river, already fragile, will be destroyed. Villagers will be severely affected by the constant movement of tractors and trucks disturbing village life."Protesters emphasised that sacred groves like the Karni Mata Oran are not only religious heritage sites but also vital ecological zones that support biodiversity and regulate the local climate. Villagers also criticised the govt for its failure to identify plots in less sensitive and unconventional locations for sand mining. "Instead of exploring new mines at suitable sites, authorities have pushed leases into ecologically and culturally fragile zones," said Rakesh Kumar, a protester.Simultaneously, illegal sand mining is reported to be continuing unchecked in other parts of the district, further fuelling anger. Locals accuse the administration of turning a blind eye to violations while targeting sacred and ecologically crucial areas for new leases. A mining official said on this issue, "The lease is being examined after a complaint was registered."