Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to stay its earlier order on the uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and to form a new expert committee. He reaffirmed that the government remains committed to protecting and restoring the Aravalli range, with the mining ban continuing.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to put a temporary stay on its earlier order that had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges.
He said the Central government remains fully committed to protecting and restoring the Aravalli range, which is considered the world’s oldest mountain system.
The Supreme Court has kept its November 20 directions in abeyance. In that earlier judgment, the court had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges as suggested by a committee formed under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
The court has now proposed to set up a new high-powered committee consisting of domain experts to carry out a detailed and holistic review of the issue related to the Aravalli region.
Reacting to the development, Bhupender Yadav expressed satisfaction over the court’s decision and assured full cooperation from his ministry.
He 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. We stand committed to extending all assistance sought from MOEFCC in the protection and restoration of the Aravalli range,”
in a post shared on social media platform X.
The Union Minister further clarified that mining restrictions remain firmly in place despite the stay. He added,
“As things stand, a complete ban on mining stays with regard to new mining leases or renewal of old mining leases,”
indicating that environmental safeguards for the Aravalli region continue to operate without dilution.
Earlier, on November 20, the Supreme Court had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges and imposed a ban on granting fresh mining leases in areas falling within the Aravalli region. The ban also applied to the renewal of old mining leases.
These restrictions covered parts of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat and were intended to remain in force until expert reports were submitted to the court.
The November 20 verdict had relied on recommendations made by a committee set up under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The committee was tasked with suggesting a clear and uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges in order to ensure better protection of the ecologically sensitive region.
According to the committee’s recommendations, an “Aravalli Hill” was defined as any landform located in designated Aravalli districts that has an elevation of 100 metres or more above the local surrounding area. The committee further stated that an “Aravalli Range” would mean a group of two or more such hills situated within a distance of 500 metres from each other.
The Supreme Court’s decision to stay its earlier order follows strong reactions from environmental groups and other stakeholders, who raised concerns over possible ambiguity in the definition and its impact on conservation efforts.
By proposing a new high-powered expert committee, the court aims to ensure that the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges is scientifically sound, legally clear and environmentally effective.
For now, the ban on mining activities in the Aravalli region continues, while the fresh examination by experts is expected to guide future judicial and policy decisions related to the protection of this critical ecological zone.
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