In a significant move to protect the fragile ecology of the Aravalli range, the Supreme Court on Wednesday announced it will constitute an expert committee to undertake an exhaustive examination of mining and related environmental issues in the region. The court underscored that illegal mining activities pose a grave threat, warning of "far-reaching and serious consequences" that are often "irreversible."
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi directed Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati and amicus curiae K. Parameshwar to suggest, within four weeks, the names of eminent environmentalists and scientists with expertise in mining. This panel will function under the direct "direction and supervision" of the apex court.
The court's decision stems from its ongoing suo motu cognizance of the matter, titled 'In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges and Ancillary Issues'. The bench made its intention clear: to move beyond piecemeal orders and initiate a "holistic" and "exhaustive" scientific review. The expert body is expected to delve into the complex interplay of mining activities, environmental degradation, and sustainable policy for the entire Aravalli region spanning Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
During the hearing, the court was informed that illegal mining persists in "scattered places." It recorded the assurance of Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj, representing the Rajasthan government, that no such unauthorized mining would be allowed.
In a related and crucial development, the Supreme Court extended its earlier order that kept in abeyance its November 20, 2023 directions. Those directions had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges, based on specific topographical criteria like a 100-metre elevation and a 500-metre gap between hills.
This acceptance had sparked concern among environmentalists, who argued that such a rigid definition could exclude vast stretches of the Aravallis from legal protection, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. Acknowledging these fears, the top court on December 29 last year had paused its November order, noting a need to resolve "critical ambiguities."
The bench had questioned whether the elevation and gap criteria would "strip a significant portion of the range of environmental protection." The new expert committee is likely to be tasked with examining this very issue, ensuring that the legal definition aligns with ecological reality.
The Aravallis, one of the world's oldest mountain ranges, act as a critical green barrier against desertification, a groundwater recharge zone, and a biodiversity hotspot. For decades, legal and illegal mining has ravaged its slopes, leading to deforestation, loss of wildlife habitat, and depletion of water resources.
The November 20 order, now in abeyance, had also imposed a ban on fresh mining leases in the defined Aravalli areas across the four states until expert reports were finalized. The current formation of a Supreme Court-monitored committee signifies an intensification of judicial efforts to find a permanent, science-based solution to the crisis.
The constitution of the domain-expert committee marks a pivotal shift towards evidence-based environmental stewardship for the Aravallis. It reflects the judiciary's recognition that the challenge requires not just enforcement of bans, but a deep understanding of geology, hydrology, and ecology to frame lasting policies.
All eyes will now be on the composition of the committee and the terms of its inquiry. Its recommendations could shape the future of the Aravallis, determining whether this ancient range will continue to deteriorate or begin a journey towards restoration and sustained protection. The Supreme Court's message is unequivocal: the time for definitive, irreversible action is now.
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