Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday welcomed a significant direction from the Supreme Court, which has put a hold on its own earlier order regarding a contentious "new definition" of the Aravalli range. The minister reiterated the government's commitment to providing all necessary assistance for the protection and ecological restoration of the crucial hill range.
Minister Welcomes Supreme Court's Decision
In a post on social media platform X, Minister Yadav stated, "I welcome the Supreme Court directions introducing a stay on its order concerning the Aravalli range, and the formation of a new committee to study issues." He emphasized the government's stance, adding, "We stand committed to extending all assistance sought from MOEFCC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) in the protection and restoration of the Aravalli range."
The minister's statement provides crucial clarity on the ongoing mining ban. He confirmed that "a complete ban on mining stays with regards to new mining leases or renewal of old mining leases." This assurance comes amid widespread concern from environmentalists and citizens.
Background of the Controversial Definition
The controversy stems from a Supreme Court order in November, which accepted a proposal from the central government on how to officially identify the Aravalli hills. The court had ruled that, for regulatory purposes, only hills rising at least 100 metres above the surrounding land, or groups of such hills in proximity, would be considered part of the Aravalli range.
While the government argued this "standard definition" was meant to bring clarity to long-standing disputes, it faced severe criticism. Environmental experts warned that the narrow, elevation-based definition could exclude vast ecologically sensitive areas of the Aravalli ecosystem from legal protection, potentially opening them up for development and mining.
Government's Stance and Future Steps
Minister Yadav's recent comments follow a press conference he held last week to address the public outrage. During that conference, he had assured that no new mining leases would be permitted in core, protected, and ecologically sensitive areas, including the National Capital Region (NCR).
He had also framed the now-stayed Supreme Court order as an endorsement of the government's efforts. "The ruling recognises and endorses the Government of India’s sustained efforts to protect the Aravalli range through scientific assessment, strict safeguards and initiatives such as the Aravalli Green Wall Project," the minister had said.
With the Supreme Court's stay order and the formation of a new committee to study the issues, the matter is now set for further examination. The focus returns to the central challenge: balancing environmental protection with regulatory clarity, ensuring the survival of the ancient Aravalli range, which acts as a critical green barrier against desertification for north India, especially the NCR.
