New Delhi: The Supreme Court ordered the federal government and state governments to halt illicit mining in the Aravalli region on Thursday, noting that there must be a balance struck between environmental preservation and sustainable development.
A case involving suspected illicit mining in the Aravalli range is before the supreme court.
There must be an end to illicit mining in the Aravallis. In this regard, the authorities must make sure that the necessary actions are taken. What use does it serve to have only skeleton structures called mountains, if not so? The bench stated that environmental protection and sustainable development must be balanced.
A case involving suspected illicit mining in the Aravalli range is before the Supreme Court. The Aravalli Hills, which are environmentally sensitive, saw a complete ban on major and small mineral mining issued by the Supreme Court in 2009.
The Rajasthani government had previously informed the court that the Supreme Court should make the decision on the classification of the Aravalli hills and Aravalli ranges with regard to mining activities.
“We, prima facie, feel that if the state is of the view that the mining activities in the Aravalli range are also detrimental to the environmental interest, nothing stops the state government from preventing mining activities in the Aravalli range as well,” stated the highest court.
The Supreme Court of India has issued a series of directives aimed at halting illegal mining activities in the Aravalli hills, underscoring the critical need to preserve this ancient mountain range that spans several northern states, including Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat.
Recent Directives and Concerns
In May 2024, the Supreme Court ordered the Rajasthan government to cease illegal mining operations in the Aravalli region within 48 hours. The Court expressed frustration over the state’s inadequate response to previous orders and highlighted the environmental degradation resulting from unauthorized mining activities. A Forest Survey of India (FSI) report revealed extensive illegal mining in the area, prompting the Court to demand immediate action.
The Court also addressed inconsistencies in the definitions of the Aravalli hills across different states, which have led to regulatory loopholes and enforcement challenges. To standardize protective measures, the Court instructed the states of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat to refrain from granting new mining permissions in the Aravalli region until further notice.
Historical Context
The Supreme Court’s involvement in safeguarding the Aravalli hills dates back several years. In October 2018, the Court ordered the Rajasthan government to halt illegal mining over a 115.34-hectare area in the Aravalli hills within 48 hours, citing severe environmental concerns.
Similarly, in May 2009, the Court suspended all mining activities in a 448 sq. km area of the Aravalli hill range in Haryana, encompassing the districts of Faridabad and Gurgaon, due to environmental degradation.
Environmental and Socioeconomic Implications
The Aravalli hills play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, acting as a natural barrier against desertification and supporting diverse flora and fauna. Unregulated mining has led to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and depletion of groundwater levels, adversely affecting local communities that depend on these resources for their livelihoods.
Challenges in Enforcement
Despite the Supreme Court’s clear directives, illegal mining persists, often due to lax enforcement and corruption at local levels. The Court has emphasized the responsibility of state authorities to take stringent action against officials who permit or overlook such activities. This includes holding accountable those who fail to enforce environmental laws effectively.
The Path Forward
To protect the Aravalli hills, a multifaceted approach is essential:
- Unified Definition and Mapping: Establishing a consistent definition of the Aravalli range across all states to eliminate ambiguities in enforcement.
- Strengthened Enforcement: Enhancing the capacity of regulatory bodies to monitor and prevent illegal mining activities, coupled with strict penalties for violations.
- Community Engagement: Involving local communities in conservation efforts, providing alternative livelihoods to reduce dependence on mining.
- Technological Integration: Utilizing satellite imagery and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for real-time monitoring of mining activities.
The Supreme Court’s firm stance serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of preserving natural ecosystems. Effective implementation of these directives requires coordinated efforts from state governments, local authorities, and communities to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Aravalli hills.
Group Media Publication
Construction, Infrastructure and Mining
General News Platforms – IHTLive.com
Entertainment News Platforms – https://anyflix.in/
Legal and Laws News Platforms – https://legalmatters.in/
Podcast Platforms – https://anyfm.in/
%20/23%20cimr%204.jpg "India is selected to host the ICCC Conference in 2027.")