HC orders Bihar state tourism department to improve the appearance of Lomas and Yajnavalkya hillocks in Nawada district
The two hillocks of Nawada district, known as ‘Lomas’ and ‘Yajnavalkya’ after the ancient sages, have been declared as religious and ecological landmarks by the Patna high court on Monday. The court ordered the tourism department to beautify these hillocks and other historical and religious sites in Nawada district.
The two hillocks of Nawada district, known as ‘Lomas’ and ‘Yajnavalkya’ after the ancient sages, have been declared as religious and ecological landmarks by the Patna high court on Monday. The court ordered the tourism department to beautify these hillocks and other historical and religious sites in Nawada district.
The judgment of the Patna high court on September 18 was a landmark one for the preservation and promotion of the cultural and natural heritage of Nawada district. The court recognized the religious and ecological value of two hillocks, known as ‘Lomas’ and ‘Yajnavalkya’, which are associated with ancient sages of the same names. The court directed the tourism department to take necessary steps to beautify these hillocks, along with other places of historical and religious importance in Nawada district, and to develop them as tourist attractions. The court was hearing a PIL filed by Vinoy Kumar Singh, who sought the protection and conservation of these hillocks from illegal mining and encroachment.
The PIL sought to safeguard the ecological balance of the two hills, which had been damaged by excessive mining and quarrying operations after the government issued licences for them. The PIL also aimed to preserve the streams that fed into a local river, Khuri, in the nearby forest areas.
On July 20, 2021, the HC's division bench, taking note of the environmental concerns raised in the PIL, had temporarily halted the mining and quarrying activities.
The HC was informed by the department of environment, forest and climate change that the hillock area is part of Rajauli Wildlife Sanctuary, which is an extension of Koderma forest and wildlife reserves as per the notification dated May 10, 2019. The court ordered to stop all mining and quarrying activities in the eco-sensitive zone.
The Archaeological Survey of India also submitted an affidavit to the HC stating that no archaeological or historical artefacts were found in the area. However, the local traditions attach religious significance to the hillocks through mythological stories.
