New Delhi, 27 December: The Supreme Court has temporarily stayed its earlier directives regarding the definition of the Aravalli Hills. The top court stated that further clarity is required on this sensitive issue, as the expert committee’s report and the court’s remarks are being interpreted and presented differently.
During the hearing on Monday, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, along with Justices JK Maheshwari and AG Masih, passed the order. The bench issued notice in the suo-motu petition titled ‘Definition of Aravalli Hills and Related Issues’ and scheduled the next hearing for 21 January.
The court ruled that until a new high-level expert committee is formed, the recommendations of the previous committee and the court’s earlier directions shall not be enforced. The court emphasised that a comprehensive review of scientific, environmental, and geological aspects is essential before any final decision.
The bench indicated it is considering the formation of a new high-powered expert committee that will consolidate and evaluate the recommendations of all prior committees. This committee will also examine whether controlled mining can be permitted in the 500-metre gap between the hills, and if so, what structural standards should be implemented to prevent environmental disruption.
The Supreme Court also highlighted the need for a thorough investigation into the scientific validity of using the 100-metre height limit as the basis for identifying Aravalli formations, calling for detailed geological studies.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that states have already been directed to halt all mining activities in the Aravalli region. It was also ensured that no new mining leases will be issued anywhere in the area.
The court requested assistance from Attorney General R. Venkataramani and senior advocate PS Parameswar, especially regarding the composition of the proposed expert committee.
Following the Supreme Court’s order on 20 November, which recognised only landforms of 100 metres or more in height as Aravalli, concerns surged nationwide. Protests took place in districts like Udaipur, Jodhpur, Sikar, and Alwar in Rajasthan.
Subsequently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change imposed a complete ban on new mining leases in the Aravalli region and tasked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) with identifying additional no-mining zones and preparing sustainable mining management plans.
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