Large-scale mining in the hills adjoining the Garrison's shooting ranges is posing a threat to the centre. The Ministry of Environment and Forests had prohibited mining operations and renewal of leases under the Environment Protection Act through a notification of May 7, 1992, in specified areas of the Aravalli ranges. Despite this, indiscriminate mining continues in the hills of Naurangpur, Baar Gujjar and Bisr Akbar Kota Khandwala all of which border NSG Garrison and fall under the prohibited area of the Aravalli ranges.

The Ministry's order restricts mining activity in all reserved and non-agricultural forests, and non-cultivable hills of Gurgaon and Alwar (Rajasthan). Though the Ministry had said that an environment impact statement andan environment management plan had to be furnished for renewal of mining leases, it hasn't given its approval for renewal of mining leases yet.

Haryana State Mining Engineer (Mines and Geology Department) Kuldipak Ahuja said, ``The environment management plans have been given for clearance, but the Ministry has yet to give its sanction.'' Sources say that a majority of the mines are being run under the patronage of politicians.

The NSG set up its training centre, which is spread over an area of 1,600 acres, at Manesar in 1985, as the area has all the geographic characteristics required by it -- hills, ridges, forest cover and vast expanses for its shooting ranges. ``The way they are drilling and blasting in this area, it's just a matter of time before the hillocks on our side come crumbling down,'' said a senior NSG official.

The miners are working on a kilometre-long stretch near the Garrison's boundary, reducing the distance between the quarries and the fence to only 30-40 feet at many spots. Takingadvantage of this, villagers have cut the barbed wire at many places so their cattle can feed in the lush green forest within the Garrison. ``We fire thousands of rounds every day and night in the firing ranges. There is now an increased risk of somebody getting hit,'' said an officer.

The NSG has raised the matter with the Haryana Chief Secretary, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the Haryana DGP, the Deputy Commissioner and the DIG (Gurgaon range), but so far, all its efforts have been in vain.