Supreme Court Flags Aravalli Mining Concerns, CJI Bench To Review Centre’s Stand Next Week

New Delhi: The dispute regarding mining in the Aravalli hills has once again reached the Supreme Court. On Monday, a bench of three judges led by the Chief Justice will hear the issue. The court itself took up this matter, while former forest conservation officer R.P. Balwan has also filed a petition in this regard. This has raised hope among people concerned about the environment that the court can reconsider the previous decision.

Why were questions raised on the decision of November 20?

On November 20, the Supreme Court had approved the definition of the Central Government and the Environment Ministry, in which it was said that only that land whose level is 100 meters or more higher than the surrounding surface should be considered Aravalli. Its surrounding slopes and areas were also included in it.

The opposition and environmental activists expressed displeasure over this decision. He says that with this definition, many areas will be out of the Aravali category and may open the way for mining.

What steps did the government take now?

After the controversy escalated, the Environment Ministry issued new instructions. In this, an order has been given to ban new mining leases in the entire Aravalli range extending from Delhi to Gujarat. The ministry said that this ban is necessary to prevent illegal mining and damage to the environment.

According to the government, the Aravalli hills are connected like a continuous chain; hence, security should also be for the entire area. The ministry has asked the states not to issue new leases under any circumstances.

What responsibility has been given to ICFRE?

The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has been given the responsibility to identify additional areas in the Aravalli where mining should be completely banned. In this, factors like environment, land structure, water sources, and sensitivity of the area will be taken into account.

ICFRE will prepare a detailed report and management plan, which will also be put up for public discussion.

How will the government balance both environmental and economic needs?

Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav said that it is wrong to say that recent decisions have been taken to increase mining. According to him, the government's aim is to maintain a balance between development and environment. He also said that there is a complete ban on mining in Delhi-NCR, and the ban is already in place at most places.