Context:
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The Supreme Court has accepted a recommendation of a Union Environment Ministry panel that redefines the Aravalli mountain system for mining purposes, effectively shrinking its protected area by up to 90% in Rajasthan.
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This has triggered serious concerns regarding ecological degradation, unsustainable mining, and dilution of environmental governance.
Key Highlights:
Redefinition of the Aravalli Range
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The panel proposed that only landforms at or above 100 metres elevation be treated as part of the Aravalli system for regulatory purposes.
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As per the Forest Survey of India (FSI):
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Out of 12,081 Aravalli hills (≥20 m height), only 1,048 hills meet the new 100 m criterion.
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This reclassification potentially opens up a vast area for mining and construction activities.
Supreme Court Directions
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While accepting the panel’s definition, the Court directed the Environment Ministry to prepare a sustainable mining plan for the declassified areas.
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Critics argue that post-facto sustainability plans may not compensate for the loss of preventive environmental protection.
Ecological Importance of the Aravallis
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The Aravalli range, stretching nearly 700 km from Gujarat to Haryana, functions as:
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A critical green lung for north-west India
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A barrier against desertification from the Thar
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A major zone for groundwater recharge (aquifers)
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It supports rich biodiversity and stabilises fragile ecosystems in regions like Gurugram and Alwar.
Contradiction with Earlier Judicial Approach
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Earlier Supreme Court judgments recognised the interconnectedness of all Aravalli landforms as a single ecological system, irrespective of height.
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The new height-based filter departs from this ecosystem-based approach.
Extent of Degradation
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A 2018 survey by the Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC) found that nearly one-fourth of the Aravalli hills had already been destroyed due to:
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Illegal mining
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Deforestation
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Urban encroachment
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Overgrazing
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Relevant Prelims Points:
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Issue: Redefinition of the Aravalli range enabling expanded mining.
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Geographical Fact:
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Oldest fold mountains of India
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Extend from Gujarat to Haryana (~700 km)
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Key Institutions:
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Supreme Court
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Forest Survey of India (FSI)
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Central Empowered Committee (CEC)
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Environmental Functions:
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Aquifer recharge
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Desertification control
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Biodiversity support
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Impact: Increased risk of ecological imbalance and water stress.
Relevant Mains Points:
Environment & Ecology (GS III):
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Aravallis as an ecological system, not isolated hillocks.
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Mining-induced degradation threatens climate resilience and water security.
Indian Geography (GS I):
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Role of the Aravallis in shaping north-west India’s climate and hydrology.
Governance & Judiciary (GS II):
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Judicial responsibility in environmental protection.
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Risks of regulatory dilution through technical redefinitions.
Conceptual Clarity:
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Biodiversity: Variety of life forms within an ecosystem.
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Aquifer: Underground water-bearing rock layer.
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Deforestation: Permanent clearing of forest cover.
Way Forward:
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Restore an ecosystem-based definition of the Aravallis.
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Impose a comprehensive mining moratorium in ecologically sensitive zones.
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Strengthen implementation of the Aravalli Landscape Restoration Action Plan.
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Ensure judicial oversight prioritises long-term ecological sustainability over short-term economic gains.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS I: Indian Geography – Aravalli range
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GS III: Environment & Ecology, mining, biodiversity, desertification
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GS II: Governance, role of judiciary in environmental protection
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Prelims: Aravalli range, aquifers, biodiversity, environmental institutions