On September 25, the MoEF shot another letter to the Chief Secretary alleging that “the Department of Mines of State of Rajasthan is not following the order of the Supreme Court on one pretext or the other”.

Officials of the Forests and Mining Department refused to discuss the matter, claiming it was sub judice. However, sources confirmed that the Government was now finding it difficult to explain why 52 mines continued to function in the Aravali Hills, despite the fact that they have been served more than one notice by the Forest Department as well as the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board.

When contacted, Rajasthan Chief Secretary D C Samant said: “I am not sure which letters from the MoEF you are referring to, but I can assure you that all orders of the SC will be complied with.”