“We Stand Committed To Protecting Aravalli Range,” Says Environment Minister

New Delhi: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to keep in abeyance its earlier order that accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges. He said the government remains fully committed to the protection and restoration of the ecologically sensitive Aravalli range and will extend all required support for its conservation.
The Supreme Court paused the directions issued in its November 20 verdict, which had approved a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges proposed by a committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The court also proposed the formation of a high powered committee comprising domain experts to carry out a detailed and holistic examination of the issue.
Reacting to the decision, Yadav said the court’s move to introduce a stay and initiate a fresh review through an expert panel was welcome. He reiterated that the ministry would provide all assistance required for safeguarding the Aravalli range and supporting efforts aimed at its restoration. He also clarified that, as of now, the ban on granting new mining leases or renewing existing ones in the Aravalli region remains in force.
In its earlier order on November 20, the Supreme Court had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges in an effort to protect one of the world’s oldest mountain systems. Based on that decision, the court had prohibited fresh mining leases in Aravalli areas spread across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat until expert reports were submitted.
The definition accepted by the court was based on recommendations made by a government appointed committee. Under those guidelines, an Aravalli hill was defined as any landform located in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above the local relief. An Aravalli range was described as a group of two or more such hills situated within a distance of 500 metres from each other.
The Supreme Court’s latest move signals a cautious approach, balancing environmental protection with the need for further scientific and expert evaluation. The proposed expert committee is expected to re examine the definition and related concerns to ensure that conservation measures are both effective and practical, while maintaining strict safeguards against ecological degradation in the Aravalli region.