Supreme Court Initiates Suo Motu Action on Updated Definition of the Aravali Hills

Context:

• The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognisance of concerns regarding a revised definition of the Aravali hills.

• The issue has arisen due to apprehensions that the new definition may weaken ecological protections and enable expanded mining activities in sensitive zones.

• A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant will hear the matter tomorrow.

Key Highlights:

Government Initiative / Policy Details

• The controversy stems from a recent judgment accepting MoEF&CC recommendations defining Aravali hills using a 100-metre elevation clause.

• Such a narrow definition may exclude large parts of the Aravali landscape from legal protection.

Scientific / Ecological Significance

• The Aravalis are recognised as a vital “green barrier” preventing the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert.

• They play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, groundwater recharge, and ecological stability in northern India.

Mining Regulation Concerns

• The Supreme Court had earlier directed authorities to:

  • Identify zones where mining may be permissible

  • Strictly prohibit mining in ecologically sensitive areas

• The court had also ordered that no new mining leases be granted until the Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) is finalised.

Stakeholders Involved

• Supreme Court of India

• MoEF&CC (environmental regulator)

• ICFRE (tasked with preparing the sustainable mining plan)

• State authorities and mining lease applicants

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Aravali Range: One of the oldest mountain ranges in India, crucial for desert control and ecology.

• Issue: Revised definition based on elevation may reduce protected forest and hill areas.

• Causes: Policy interpretation and regulatory ambiguity over hill classification.

• Government Initiatives:

  • Preparation of MPSM through ICFRE

  • Restrictions on new mining leases until safeguards are in place

• Benefits of Protection:

  • Prevents desertification

  • Maintains ecological balance

  • Protects groundwater resources

• Challenges:

  • Mining pressure and economic interests

  • Weak definitions leading to legal loopholes

  • Enforcement gaps in eco-sensitive zones

Relevant Mains Points:

• Suo Motu Cognisance: Court’s power to take up matters without a formal petition, often used in cases of public importance.

• Environmental Governance: Highlights tension between developmental needs and ecological sustainability.

• Key Institutions:

  • MoEF&CC: Central authority for environment and forest regulation

  • ICFRE: Research body supporting sustainable forestry and mining planning

• Concerns:

  • Dilution of environmental safeguards through restrictive definitions

  • Increased mining may cause irreversible ecological damage

• Way Forward:

  • Clear, science-based definition of Aravali landscapes

  • Strict enforcement of sustainable mining norms

  • Balancing economic development with long-term environmental security

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS 1: Indian Geography – Aravali range and desertification control

• GS 2: Polity – Suo motu powers of Supreme Court, environmental governance

• GS 3: Environment & Ecology – Mining regulation, eco-sensitive zone protection

• Prelims: Institutions like MoEF&CC, ICFRE, and concepts like suo motu cognisance