Context:
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The Supreme Court of India has reopened the case regarding the legal definition of the Aravalli Hills, taking suo motu cognisance of concerns over its environmental implications.
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The matter will be heard on December 29 by a three-judge bench headed by CJI Surya Kant.
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The dispute centres on a revised definition based on a 100-metre elevation criterion, which critics fear could weaken ecological safeguards and encourage mining.
Key Highlights:
Case Background / Policy Details
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The Supreme Court had sought a uniform definition of the Aravalli Hills because:
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Different states use varying criteria
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This inconsistency has enabled illegal mining in sensitive areas
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On November 27, the Court accepted a recommendation of a Union Environment Ministry panel, defining Aravallis as:
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Landforms 100 metres or more above local relief
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Stakeholders Involved
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Supreme Court of India
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Union Ministry of Environment (MoEF&CC)
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Central Empowered Committee (CEC)
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Amicus Curiae (court-appointed advisor)
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State governments and mining operators
Concerns Raised by CEC and Amicus Curiae
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The CEC informed the amicus curiae (Oct 14) that it had not examined or approved the 100-metre definition.
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The amicus curiae opposed the definition, warning that:
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Hills below 100 metres could become legally open for mining
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This could severely harm the environment and fragile ecosystems
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Centre’s Position on Mining
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The Union government stated that:
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Mining would remain prohibited in core protected areas
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Exceptions may be allowed for critical minerals
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Sustainable mining may be permitted in regulated zones
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Environmental Significance of Aravallis
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The Aravalli range is ecologically vital as it:
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Acts as a barrier against desertification
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Supports biodiversity and groundwater recharge
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Protects fragile ecosystems in Rajasthan–Haryana belt
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Relevant Prelims Points:
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Suo Motu: Court action initiated on its own without a formal petition.
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Amicus Curiae: Neutral advisor assisting the court in complex matters.
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Illegal Mining: Mineral extraction without legal approval, often causing ecological destruction.
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Issue: Narrow elevation-based definition may reduce the legally protected Aravalli area.
Government Initiatives / Regulatory Measures
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Attempt to create a uniform Aravalli definition
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Proposals for zoning:
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Core no-mining zones
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Sustainable mining areas
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Monitoring through committees like CEC
Benefits of Protection
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Prevents ecological degradation
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Controls desert spread
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Maintains groundwater and biodiversity
Challenges
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Mining pressure and economic interests
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Definitional loopholes enabling exploitation
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Enforcement gaps across states
Impact
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Potentially determines the future of mining regulation and conservation in Aravalli districts
Relevant Mains Points:
Governance and Environmental Regulation
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Case reflects tension between:
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Environmental protection
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Resource extraction and development
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Highlights importance of strong regulatory frameworks for eco-sensitive zones
Institutional Framework
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MoEF&CC: Central authority for environmental governance
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CEC: Advises SC on forest and environmental compliance
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Judicial Oversight: SC intervention ensures accountability
Concerns
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Dilution of protection through restrictive definitions
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Increased mining could worsen:
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Forest loss
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Habitat destruction
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Desertification
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Way Forward
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Adopt a scientifically robust and inclusive definition of Aravalli landscapes
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Strengthen enforcement against illegal mining
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Balance sustainable development with ecological security
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Ensure transparency in expert committee recommendations
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 1: Geography – Aravalli range, desertification control
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GS 2: Governance – Judicial intervention, environmental governance
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GS 3: Environment & Ecology – Mining regulation, eco-sensitive protection
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Prelims: Concepts like suo motu, amicus curiae, illegal mining, MoEF&CC, CEC