Syllabus: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Introduction
- The Aravalli range, nearly two billion years old, is India’s oldest mountain system and a crucial ecological barrier. Recognising its degradation due to excessive mining, the Supreme Court (2025) has intervened to standardise its definition and regulate mining activities across States.
Role of Aravallis in Preventing Desertification
- Act as a natural barrier preventing the eastward spread of the Thar Desert into Haryana, Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh.
- Stabilise regional climate and support biodiversity.
- Facilitate groundwater recharge and sustain rivers such as Chambal, Sabarmati and Luni.
- Their degradation has led to declining aquifers, air pollution and ecosystem stress.
- India is internationally obligated under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification to protect such vulnerable ecosystems.
Mining and Judicial Response
- Despite restrictions since the 1990s, mining norms were widely violated, including illegal quarrying.
- 2009 SC ban: Blanket ban on mining in Faridabad, Gurugram and Mewat.
- May 2024–Nov 2025: SC paused new mining leases and renewals and sought expert review.
Recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC)
- Scientific mapping of the Aravalli range across States.
- Macro-level Environmental Impact Assessment of cumulative mining effects.
- Complete prohibition of mining in:
- Protected habitats
- Water bodies
- Tiger corridors
- Key aquifer recharge zones
- National Capital Region (NCR)
- Strict regulation of stone-crushing units.
- No new leases until mapping and assessments are completed.
Need for a Uniform Definition
- States followed inconsistent criteria, enabling regulatory dilution.
- Conflicting definitions existed, including the FSI’s 2010 slope-based criteria.
- SC-appointed expert committee (2025) defined Aravallis as hills above 100 metres.
- While concerns were raised about excluding lower hills, the Court held this definition to be more inclusive and administratively workable.
Has Mining Been Completely Banned?
- No total ban imposed.
- SC adopted a calibrated approach:
- Existing legal mining allowed under strict regulation.
- New mining paused until a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) is finalised.
- Ecologically sensitive zones remain permanently off-limits.
- Rationale: Total bans often fuel illegal mining and sand mafias.
Conclusion
- The Supreme Court’s intervention balances ecological protection with regulatory realism. By standardising definitions, mandating scientific planning, and avoiding blanket bans, it aims to safeguard the Aravallis while preventing regulatory vacuum and illegal exploitation—marking a crucial step in sustainable landscape governance.