The Supreme Court is set to hold a suo motu hearing on issues concerning the definition of the Aravalli Hills. Scheduled for December 29, the hearing will focus on safeguarding the ecologically sensitive Aravalli range. The Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, will address the writ petition titled “In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges and Ancillary Issues.”
The Supreme Court’s initiative comes amidst rising worries about preserving the fragile Aravalli range. The government’s repeated pledges to safeguard this region have prompted this proactive step by the apex court. In a bid to combat illegal mining and enhance environmental protection, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has instructed states to enforce a blanket ban on new mining leases in the Aravallis.
To maintain the continuity of the geological ridge and halt unregulated mining activities, the Ministry’s directive covers the entire Aravalli landscape from Delhi to Gujarat. Additionally, the Ministry has tasked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education with identifying more areas within the Aravalli range where mining activities should be strictly prohibited.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recently expressed concerns over the revised definition of the Aravalli Hills. Ramesh highlighted that the new definition limits the classification to landforms with elevations of 100 meters or higher. In a letter to Union Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, Ramesh posed four critical questions seeking clarity on the controversial redefinition of the Aravallis.
