Context:
- The Union government rejected allegations that redefining the Aravali range is aimed at facilitating large-scale mining.
- The clarification follows concerns that the new definition would dilute environmental protection in one of India’s oldest mountain systems.
Key Highlights:
Government Position / Policy Details:
- The Centre stated that 90% of the Aravali region will remain ‘protected’ under the new definition.
- The revised framework is Supreme Court–approved and designed to provide stronger protection to the Aravali ecosystem.
- Mining would be restricted and regulated, not expanded indiscriminately.
Environmental Safeguards:
- Mining is permitted only in 1.09% of the Aravali area, while the remaining region remains protected.
- New mining leases are allowed only after a comprehensive management plan is finalised.
- The framework aims to prevent unregulated and illegal mining.
Rebuttal to Allegations:
- Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav dismissed claims that landforms above 100 metres would be opened for mining.
- The government termed such interpretations as misinformation.
- Emphasised that the definition does not dilute existing protections.
Legal Background:
- In August 2023, the Supreme Court accepted recommendations of a committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on defining Aravali hills and ranges.
- The objective was to bring clarity and uniformity in identifying protected Aravali landforms.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Aravali Range:
- One of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world.
- Spans Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.
- Issue: Ambiguity in defining Aravali hills leading to legal and enforcement challenges.
- Government Initiative:
- Supreme Court–approved Aravali protection framework.
- Impact:
- Environmental conservation
- Regulation of mining activities
Relevant Mains Points:
- Environment & Governance:
- Balancing development needs with ecological protection.
- Constitutional & Legal Aspect:
- Role of the judiciary in environmental governance.
- Keywords: Sustainable Mining, Environmental Protection, Aravali Ecosystem.
- Way Forward:
- Transparent implementation of management plans.
- Strengthen monitoring against illegal mining.
- Inter-State coordination for Aravali conservation.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper III: Environment, Conservation, Mining Regulations
- GS Paper II: Governance, Role of Judiciary