Section 98: Prohibition of Mineral exploration in certain areas.

(1) No person shall, in the course of Exploration or mining, carry out operations, in or under any area held to be sacred or permit injury or destruction of any tree or other thing which is the object of veneration.
(2) When any question arises under this section as to whether an area is held to be sacred or tree or thing is the object of veneration, the question shall be decided by the Mining Cadastre Office on the recommendation of the Mineral Resources Committee of the State concerned.
(3) A licensee or lessee who causes injury or damage to any area, tree or thing mentioned in subsection (1) of this section shall pay fair and adequate compensation to the persons or communities affected by injury or damage.