Delhi: The Supreme Court has stepped in on its own initiative to examine concerns surrounding a recent revision in how the Aravalli Hills are officially defined, amid growing alarm that the change could weaken environmental safeguards and encourage mining in sensitive zones.
A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.G. Masih, is scheduled to hear the matter on Monday. The court is expected to closely review the implications of mining and other commercial activities in the Aravalli belt, one of India’s oldest geological formations. Adding weight to the issue, former forest officer R.P. Balwan has also moved the apex court, raising objections over potential ecological fallout.
The Aravalli range, stretching from Gujarat through Rajasthan to the Delhi-NCR region, acts as a natural barrier against desert expansion, supports rich biodiversity, and plays a crucial role in groundwater recharge. Environmentalists argue that altering its definition could dilute long-standing protections, making previously restricted areas vulnerable to excavation and real estate activity.
The issue has sparked public protests and political debate. While opposition parties, including the Congress, have alleged that the revised definition could pave the way for large-scale mining, the central government has rejected these accusations. Officials maintain that the changes do not threaten the Aravallis and insist that conservation remains a priority.
In a parallel move, the Centre has instructed state governments to halt the issuance of any new mining leases across the entire Aravalli region. States have also been reminded to strictly comply with earlier Supreme Court rulings while overseeing existing mining operations.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has tasked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) with identifying additional ecologically sensitive zones within the Aravalli landscape where mining should be curtailed. ICFRE has also been asked to draft a comprehensive, science-driven management plan for the region, assessing cumulative environmental impact, stress on ecosystems, and long-term restoration needs.
