Aravalli Hills Definition Row: The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the dispute arising over the definition of Aravalli Hills. The court will hear the matter on Monday. The court has already banned new mining leases in four states, citing environmental protection.
Aravalli Hills Row: Now the Supreme Court itself has taken cognizance (Suo Motu) of the ongoing dispute regarding the Aravalli Hills, the oldest mountain range of the country. The court will hear this case on Monday. This matter is related to the definition of Aravalli hills, ban on mining and environmental protection, which is considered very important. A three-judge vacation bench of the Supreme Court will hear the case, which will be headed by Chief Justice (CJI) Surya Kant. Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice Augustine George Masih will also join the bench. Let us know the 5 big facts of this case and why is this case so important?
Why is the issue of Aravali Hills important?
The Aravalli hills are not just a set of rocks, but they are a green barrier preventing the spread of the desert. This is a big center of biodiversity. Plays an important role in groundwater conservation and climate balance. For this reason, there has been a dispute going on for a long time regarding mining and construction activities in these hills.
Why did the Supreme Court take cognizance of the Aravalli Hills issue?
On November 20, the Supreme Court had approved a uniform and scientific definition of the Aravalli Hills. After this, questions were raised regarding this in the mining industry and some states. In view of the growing controversy, the court itself considered the issue as serious and decided to hear it.
5 big facts related to Aravali case
1. Ban on new mining leases in four states
The Supreme Court has banned the granting of new mining leases in the Aravalli region in Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. This ban will remain in effect until the expert report is completed.
2. Recommendations of the Environment Ministry’s committee accepted
The court accepted the recommendations of the committee constituted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). The objective of this committee is to protect the Aravalli hills in the long run.
3. What is the new definition of Aravali Hills and Range?
According to the committee, Aravalli Hill: Any such land which is in the designated Aravalli districts and is at least 100 meters higher than the surrounding land.
Aravalli Range: Two or more hills located within 500 meters of each other, as well as the land and landforms between them.
4. Mining completely stopped in core areas
This judgment was given in the environment case related to TN Godavarman Thirumulpad, which has been going on for years. The court said that mining will be completely banned in the core and untouched areas. However, some relaxations may be given in limited circumstances decided by the committee.
5. Sustainable mining plan is necessary
The Supreme Court has given clear instructions that until the Sustainable Mining Management Plan is prepared, no new mining lease will be given, the existing mines will also be able to operate under strict rules. This plan will be prepared through the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).