NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday prohibited Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi from awarding new mining leases in the damaged ecology of India’s oldest mountain range, expressing shock at the Haryana government’s claim that there is no precise description of places that qualify as the Aravali range. But the SC made it clear that this decision wouldn’t stop currently permitted mining operations.
To help with the creation of a uniform policy to protect the range that acts as a barrier against the spread of Thar desert to the northern plains, a bench of Justices B R Gavai and A S Oka also constituted a committee that included the secretary of the Union ministry of environment.
forest, and climate change, the forest secretaries of the four states, and representatives from the Geographical Society of India, the Forest Survey of India, and the Central Empowered Committee. The committee’s goal was to define what exactly falls within the boundaries of Aravali. The SC listed the issue for a future hearing.
July and requested that the committee deliver its findings within two months. The court has been concerned about the deterioration of Aravali since it established a special forest bench in 1985. It had been prohibited several times. commercial operations, sand mining, stone quarrying, and the controlled eradication of encroachments from the steep, wooded area. However, dishonest people carried on their illicit operations with the administration’s implicit approval.
To allow the government to halt mining spilling over into other regions and creating irreversible harm to the delicate ecosystem of the range, Amicus curiae K Parameshwar and senior counsel ADN Rao pushed for mapping the Aravali mining zones. While representing Haryana,
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the SC that the state is in favour of mapping mining sites and gave his word that all directives from the SC regarding the preservation of Aravilli’s delicate environment will be followed to the letter. In the Aravali range, Parameshwar proposed a total prohibition on any form of mining activity. However, the bench stated that outright prohibiting mining is always ineffective.”
SC Bars 4 States from Granting Fresh Mining Leases in Aravali
The Supreme Court has prohibited four states—Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi—from granting new mining leases in the ecologically sensitive Aravali region. The decision aims to curb environmental degradation and illegal mining that has severely impacted the fragile ecosystem.
Reasons Behind the Ban
The apex court’s decision was driven by concerns over:
- Deforestation and Land Degradation: Unregulated mining has led to massive deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.
- Groundwater Depletion: Mining activities have contributed to declining water levels in the region.
- Violation of Environmental Norms: Reports indicate rampant illegal mining despite existing restrictions.
Implications of the Ruling
- Protection of the Aravali Ecosystem: The ruling ensures stricter enforcement of environmental laws.
- Impact on Construction Sector: Restrictions on mining may lead to a short-term shortage of raw materials such as stone and sand.
- State Accountability: The court has directed the states to submit a compliance report on existing mining activities and rehabilitation plans.
With this landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has reinforced its commitment to preserving India’s natural resources while urging states to prioritize environmental conservation over commercial interests.
The Supreme Court has prohibited Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi from issuing new mining leases in the ecologically fragile Aravali region. The decision aims to curb deforestation, groundwater depletion, and illegal mining. The court emphasized the need for stricter.
Environmental protection and directed the states to submit a compliance report on existing mining activities. The ruling is expected to safeguard biodiversity while impacting the supply of raw materials for construction. This move reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to preserving natural resources and enforcing sustainable environmental policies.
Group Media Publication
Construction, Infrastructure and Mining
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