Amid discussions about the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Aravalli region, Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav reassured the public that there are no relaxations regarding this critical area. He emphasized that 90% of the Aravalli remains protected. Speaking in South 24 Parganas, he noted that this mountain range crosses four states: Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Yet, a petition about its status has been pending since 1985.
Yadav explained that the Supreme Court aimed to standardize the definition of the Aravalli to prevent mining activities too close to its base. There was some confusion about the “100-metre” criterion, which Yadav clarified. He indicated that it refers to a measurement from the top of the hills downward, not just the height of the hills themselves. This broader interpretation ensures that the majority of the area remains protected.
According to a report from PTI, the Supreme Court formed a committee in May 2024 to establish a clear definition for the Aravalli region, as states had been using inconsistent standards for mining permissions. This committee, chaired by the Environment Ministry secretary, included representatives from the four states and various technical experts.
Interestingly, only Rajasthan had an official definition for the area, established in 2006. Under this guideline, landforms that rise 100 metres above their surroundings are protected, prohibiting mining within their lowest bounding contour. Recently, all four states agreed to adopt this definition, alongside new measures to ensure transparency in mining decisions. These include treating hills within 500 metres of each other as a single range and mapping these features officially.
As various user reactions unfold online, many environmentalists and activists aren’t satisfied with the ruling. They express concern that any mining activity could threaten biodiversity and ecological balance in the Aravalli region. Social media trends show a growing movement to preserve this vital landscape, highlighting the importance of protecting natural resources in a rapidly developing world.
For those interested in further reading, various reports and studies can provide more insights into the ecological significance of the Aravalli range and the ongoing debates surrounding its preservation.
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