CivilsKash
SC Moves to Protect Aravalli Range
The Supreme Court finalized a uniform definition of the Aravalli Range, paused fresh mining leases across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat, and directed a scientific mapping exercise to curb desertification of the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
Geologically over 2 billion years old, the Aravallis form India’s oldest mountain chain, buffer the Thar Desert, recharge groundwater and support forests across ~680 km from Gujarat to Delhi–NCR, yet illegal mining and construction have accelerated land degradation.
The Court noted repeated violations of restrictions issued by the Environment Ministry since the 1990s and ordered implementation of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) proposals, including strict regulation of mining, long-term buffer zones around urban NCR, prohibition of new leases, and macro-level environmental impact assessments.
It directed that mapping by FSI, GSI, State Forest Departments and the CEC be completed by October 2025 to delineate slopes, ridges, and boundaries; a draft plan for Mining and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act compliance in ecologically fragile pockets must follow.
Rejecting attempts to dilute buffer norms, the SC warned that unchecked mining syndicates fuel violent sand extraction and ordered a “calibrated approach” ensuring permanently sensitive areas remain off-limits by 2030.
Geologically over 2 billion years old, the Aravallis form India’s oldest mountain chain, buffer the Thar Desert, recharge groundwater and support forests across ~680 km from Gujarat to Delhi–NCR, yet illegal mining and construction have accelerated land degradation.
The Court noted repeated violations of restrictions issued by the Environment Ministry since the 1990s and ordered implementation of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) proposals, including strict regulation of mining, long-term buffer zones around urban NCR, prohibition of new leases, and macro-level environmental impact assessments.
It directed that mapping by FSI, GSI, State Forest Departments and the CEC be completed by October 2025 to delineate slopes, ridges, and boundaries; a draft plan for Mining and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act compliance in ecologically fragile pockets must follow.
Rejecting attempts to dilute buffer norms, the SC warned that unchecked mining syndicates fuel violent sand extraction and ordered a “calibrated approach” ensuring permanently sensitive areas remain off-limits by 2030.