The Supreme Court’s re-hearing on the definition of the Aravalli mountain range has raised hopes for environmental protection. This decision will affect many states and may decide the direction of mining and development activities.
Rajasthan: The Supreme Court has again intervened in the matter related to the definition of the Aravalli mountain range. The court has taken suo motu cognizance in view of the concerns and protests arising over the environment across the country. A vacation bench of three judges headed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant will hear the case. In this bench, Judge J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Augustine George Masih.
There was a long standing demand from environmentalists and social organizations that the decision related to Aravalli should be reconsidered, because it could affect a large area.
Why did the concern of environmentalists increase?
Experts say the definition of Aravali set by the Supreme Court may encourage mining and construction activities even in protected areas. This is likely to have a serious impact on climate balance, groundwater levels and desertification.
The Aravalli mountain range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the country, which plays an important role in maintaining environmental balance. Environmental organizations believe that if mining and construction is allowed in the Aravalli region, its ill effects will be clearly visible in the coming years.
Which states will be affected
The decision given by the Supreme Court on the definition of Aravali directly affects states like Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat. Many areas of these states come under the Aravalli mountain range.
The problem of water shortage and increasing desertification already remains serious in Rajasthan. In such a situation, there is a possibility that the situation will worsen due to relaxation in activities in Aravali region.
Controversy arose over the decision of 20 November
On November 20, the then Chief Justice B. R. The bench headed by Gavai had given an important decision regarding Aravali. In this bench, Judge K. Vinod Chandran and Justice N. V. Anjariya were also included.
In this decision, it was said that only the hills more than 100 meters high and the area up to 500 meters between two hills will be considered within the scope of Aravalli. Areas outside this can be opened for mining. The court had also said that if mining is stopped completely, there is a possibility of illegal mining increasing.
This decision was given on the basis of the report of a committee of the Union Forest and Environment Ministry. However, after this, organizations related to environmental protection across the country registered a strong protest.
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