In a significant development concerning the Aravalli hills, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has expressed his support for the Supreme Court's recent decision to stay its previous order on the "new definition" of the Aravalli range. The Minister welcomed the Court's move and reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting and restoring the Aravalli range.
The Supreme Court's stay order effectively puts in abeyance its November 20th ruling, which had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges as recommended by a committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC). This earlier definition stipulated that an "Aravalli Hill" would be any landform in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 meters or more above its local relief, while an "Aravalli Range" would be a collection of two or more such hills within 500 meters of each other.
The acceptance of this "new definition" had sparked widespread criticism and concern across various sections of society. Environmental groups and civil society organizations raised apprehensions that the revised definition could potentially lead to unregulated mining and construction activities in areas previously considered protected. They argued that diluting the definition could legitimize activities that would harm the ecologically sensitive Aravalli region, which plays a crucial role in preventing desertification and sustaining groundwater levels.
In light of these concerns, the Supreme Court has decided to re-examine the issue and has proposed to constitute a fresh committee of independent experts. This high-powered committee will undertake an exhaustive and holistic examination of the matter, ensuring a fair, impartial, and independent expert opinion before any further implementation. The court has issued a notice on the suo motu case, with a return date of January 21st.
Minister Yadav emphasized that the government is committed to extending all necessary assistance sought from the MOEFCC in the protection and restoration of the Aravalli range. He also clarified that the complete ban on mining remains in effect, specifically with regard to new mining leases or the renewal of old ones. This ban will stay in place until the expert committee submits its report. Notices have also been issued to the States, directing that no further mining activity be carried out.
The Supreme Court's intervention came after taking suo motu cognizance of the matter, prompted by public protests and concerns raised by environmental groups and civil society organizations. The court acknowledged the differing definitions of the Aravalli Hills and Aravalli Ranges across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, which had resulted in regulatory gaps and instances of illegal mining.
The Supreme Court's initial acceptance of the "new definition" in November also included a directive for the Union Government to prepare a comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining before permitting any new mining activity in the Aravalli region. However, with the stay order now in effect, the implementation of this plan is also on hold.
The Aravalli range, one of the world's oldest mountain systems, has been facing increasing environmental pressures. The Supreme Court's decision to stay its earlier order and form a new expert committee signals a renewed commitment to ensuring the long-term protection and sustainability of this vital ecological zone.
