Aravalli Hills: Ecological and Legal Overview
Introduction
The Supreme Court (SC) has established a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills, halting new mining leases in the region spanning Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. These hills play a crucial role in preventing desertification, stabilizing climate, supporting biodiversity, and aiding groundwater recharge.
Geographical and Ecological Significance
- The Aravalli range, approximately two billion years old, stretches 650 km from Delhi to Gujarat.
- It serves as an ecological barrier against the eastward spread of the Thar Desert into adjoining states.
- Source of important rivers like the Chambal, Sabarmati, and Luni.
- Rich in resources such as sandstone, limestone, marble, granite, and minerals.
Mining and Environmental Concerns
- Historically mined for resources, but recent excessive quarrying has impacted air quality and groundwater recharge.
- A proportion of mining activities have been illegal, violating restrictions since the early 1990s.
- 2009: SC imposed a mining ban in certain Haryana districts.
Supreme Court Interventions and Recommendations
In 2024, the SC's Central Empowered Committee (CEC) recommended comprehensive actions:
- Scientific mapping of the Aravalli range.
- Environmental impact assessments of mining activities.
- Prohibition of mining in ecologically sensitive areas.
- Strict regulation of stone-crushing units.
Aravalli ‘Green Wall’ Project
Initiated in June 2025, aims to expand green cover in a five-km buffer around Aravallis in 29 districts, targeting restoration of 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
Definitional Challenges and Resolutions
Inconsistencies in defining Aravalli formations led to a committee formation by SC to establish a unified definition. The committee's recommendation: hills above 100 meters are considered Aravalli.
Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM)
- Detailed plan covering the entire Aravalli range.
- Demarcation of no-mining zones and regulated mining areas.
- Mapping of sensitive habitats and wildlife corridors.
- Evaluation of ecological impacts and carrying capacity.
Conclusion
The SC advises a balanced approach to prevent illegal mining while ensuring sustainable development. Existing legal mining is regulated, new mining is paused pending a scientific management plan, and sensitive areas remain protected.
