New Delhi: The Supreme Court will today (Monday) conduct a suo motu (self-initiated) hearing regarding the conservation and the official 'definition' of the Aravalli mountain range, which spans across four states including Delhi.
Details of the Bench
A vacation bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, and Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih will hear the case titled "Definition of Aravalli Mountain Range and Ancillary Issues."
What is the Background of the Case?
The Aravalli range is spread across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The Supreme Court had previously intervened to control illegal mining activities occurring in the Aravallis.
* Definitional Confusion: Different states were defining the Aravalli hills in their own ways. To resolve this ambiguity, the Supreme Court formed an expert committee in May 2024.
* Committee Recommendations: The committee, which submitted its report last October, recommended that any landform with an elevation of 100 meters or more from the local ground level should be considered an 'Aravalli Hill.' Furthermore, it defined the 'Aravalli Range' as a cluster of two or more such hills located within a 500-meter radius of each other.
Supreme Court’s Stand on Mining
Previously, a bench headed by Justice B.R. Gavai had considered the committee's recommendations. At that time, the court shared a significant observation:
1. Total Ban Not Feasible: Completely banning mining in the Aravalli range might inadvertently lead to an increase in illegal mining activities.
2. Regulated Activity: The bench emphasized the necessity of maintaining a balance between environmental conservation and regulated mining.
Significance of Today’s Hearing
In today's hearing, the official definition of the Aravalli hills is likely to be finalized. This decision will have a major impact on mining activities in states like Haryana and Rajasthan.
The judges have been presented with detailed information regarding the Aravallis. Ultimately, protecting the environment around us is the duty of every citizen.