Supreme Court Pauses Judgment on Aravalli Definition

The Supreme Court of India has kept in abeyance its earlier judgment that had upheld a restrictive definition of the Aravalli Hills. 

Background of the Case

• The Supreme Court of India had earlier (Nov 20) upheld a restrictive definition of the Aravalli Range.
• Definition limited Aravalli hills to:
  • Hills with more than 100 metre elevation, and
  • Hill clusters, slopes, hillocks within 500 m of each other.
• This triggered widespread concern across Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

Key Highlights of the Supreme Court Order

• Stay of Previous Order: The Supreme Court has stayed its own November 20 order that had accepted a uniform definition for the Aravalli Hills.  
• Reason for Stay: The decision follows mounting criticism from environmentalists over concerns about the potential negative impact on the sensitive mountain ecosystem.
• New Expert Committee: A bench led by the CJI has ordered the formation of a new expert committee. 
  • This committee will re-examine the issues related to defining the Aravallis.
• Directions on Mining: No fresh or renewed mining leases in the Aravalli region without prior Supreme Court permission.
• Reinforces the precautionary principle in environmental protection.
• Notices Issued: The Court has issued notices to the Central Government and the four Aravalli states (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, and Haryana), seeking their responses in a suo motu case on the issue.

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Why Protecting the Aravallis is Critical

• Barrier Against Desertification: It acts as a natural wall, slowing the spread of the Thar Desert into the fertile plains of the Gangetic basin and the National Capital Region.
• Water Security: The range’s geological structure recharges groundwater aquifers, providing a crucial water source for millions of people.
• Biodiversity Hotspot: It supports rich flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
• Ecosystem Services: It provides essential services like air purification, climate moderation, and soil conservation.
• The Threat: Decades of unchecked mining have led to severe deforestation, loss of wildlife habitat, depletion of water tables, and increased air pollution, threatening all these functions.

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