NEW DELHI, June 4 -- The Supreme Court has directed the Rajasthan government to take immediate steps to ban mining in the core area of the Ranthambore tiger reserve and constituted a three-member committee to make recommendations to regulate the flow of devotees and vehicles at an ancient temple lying within the critical tiger habitat.

Passing directions on an application highlighting the threat to the tiger habitat and population due to illegal mining, unauthorised construction and a huge footfall of devotees at the temple, a bench headed by Chief Jusice of India (CJI) Bhushan R Gavai said, "In order to protect the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, we deem it appropriate to direct the state of Rajasthan to take steps to ban mining in the core ...