Supreme Court's Aravalli Definition Proposal
On October 13, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC) proposed a new 100-meter definition for the Aravalli hills to the Supreme Court. The next day, the Supreme Court's Central Empowered Committee (CEC) highlighted that they did not examine or approve this recommendation. Despite this, on November 20, the Supreme Court accepted the ministry's proposal.
Background and Context
- The CEC, established by the Supreme Court in 2002, monitors compliance with environmental and forest-related orders.
- The Forest Survey of India (FSI) had previously defined Aravallis as areas above a minimum elevation with a slope of at least 3 degrees, covering 40,481 sq km across 15 districts in Rajasthan.
- This original definition was intended to protect even the lower hills as part of the Aravalli range.
Opposition to the 100-meter Definition
- The CEC and the amicus curiae assisting the court opposed the ministry's 100-meter definition, stating that it compromises the geographical integrity of the Aravallis.
- The FSI's assessment indicated that adopting the 100-meter definition would exclude 91.3% of the Aravalli hills, rendering them vulnerable to activities like mining.
- The FSI denied claims of conducting any study suggesting that 90% of Aravalli hills would be unprotected under the new definition.
Potential Ecological Impact
- Exclusion of smaller hillocks under the 100-meter definition could lead to ecological consequences, such as the eastward spread of the Thar Desert.
- Currently, only 0.19% of the 1.44 lakh sq km Aravalli range is allocated for mining.
Uncertainty and Future Implications
- The exact area of Aravalli covered under the 100-meter definition will only be determined after ground demarcation.
- Uncertainty remains regarding how the ministry assured the Supreme Court that more areas would be included under the new definition compared to the FSI's criteria.
