The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Union government and four concerned states over concerns related to mining activities in the ecologically sensitive Aravalli region. After hearing the matter, the apex court issued notices to the Centre and the states, directing the formation of a new independent panel of experts to reassess the issue. The next hearing has been scheduled for January 21.
The case originated after the Central government notified a new definition of the Aravalli range, which environmental activists and experts alleged was framed without adequate scientific assessment or public consultation. Critics argue that the revised definition could expose large portions of the Aravallis in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat to unchecked mining, posing a serious threat to one of India’s oldest mountain ranges.
What the Supreme Court Had Ordered Earlier
In November, the Supreme Court had directed the Centre to prepare a comprehensive sustainable mining plan before allowing any new mining activities in the region. During the latest hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the Centre’s plan had already been submitted and accepted by the court last month.
CJI Raises Concerns Over Interpretation
However, Chief Justice of India (CJI) disagreed with this assertion, stating that the committee’s report and the court’s earlier observations were being misinterpreted. The CJI emphasised that further clarification was necessary before implementation.
The court underlined the need for an impartial, neutral, and independent expert opinion to determine whether the new definition has expanded the scope of non-Aravalli areas, potentially facilitating irregular and continued mining.
The CJI noted that clear guidance is essential to ensure environmental protection and to prevent misuse of regulatory changes that could weaken safeguards for the Aravalli ecosystem.
