Supreme Court Backs 100-Meter Aravalli Protection Rule Despite Panel Opposition
Supreme Court accepts government's 100-meter Aravalli protection rule, overriding its own expert panel's objections.
Photo by Prince Lewis
The Supreme Court has accepted the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change's (MoEF&CC) new 100-meter definition for Aravalli protection, a decision that surprisingly went against its own Central Empowered Committee (CEC). The CEC, established by the SC in 2002 to monitor environmental compliance, had argued that the Forest Survey of India's (FSI) 3-degree slope definition, covering lower hills, should be adopted to ensure broader protection for the Aravalli ecology.
This ruling means that areas within 100 meters of the Aravalli foothills will be protected, but the CEC's preferred definition would have covered a much larger 40,481 sq km, including lower hills, which are now excluded. This decision highlights the ongoing tension between development and environmental conservation, with the judiciary playing a critical role in defining protective measures for vital ecological zones.
मुख्य तथ्य
Supreme Court accepted MoEF&CC's 100-meter definition for Aravalli protection
SC's Central Empowered Committee (CEC) had opposed this definition
CEC recommended Forest Survey of India's (FSI) 3-degree slope definition
FSI's definition would protect 40,481 sq km of Aravallis in Rajasthan
CEC was established by the SC in 2002
UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Environmental governance and policy-making (MoEF&CC's role)
Judicial activism and environmental jurisprudence (SC's role, CEC's origin and function)
Geographical significance of Aravalli Range (ecology, biodiversity, watershed)
Conflict between development and conservation
Role of expert committees in environmental decision-making
दृश्य सामग्री
Aravalli Range: Geographical Extent & Protection Dispute
This map illustrates the geographical spread of the Aravalli Range across four Indian states/UTs, providing context to the Supreme Court's decision on its protection. The dispute centers on defining the 'protected area' within this vital ecological zone.
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Aravalli Protection Definitions: MoEF&CC vs. CEC
This table highlights the key differences between the Aravalli protection definition accepted by the Supreme Court (MoEF&CC's 100-meter rule) and the broader definition recommended by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
| Feature | SC-backed MoEF&CC Definition (100-meter rule) | CEC Recommended Definition (FSI 3-degree slope) |
|---|---|---|
| Protection Area Basis | 100 meters from the Aravalli foothills | Areas with a 3-degree slope, as per Forest Survey of India (FSI) data |
| Estimated Area Covered | Significantly smaller area, primarily immediate foothills | Much larger area: 40,481 sq km, including lower hills and broader ecological zones |
| Ecological Scope | Limited to specific, easily identifiable foothill zones, potentially missing interconnected ecosystems. | Broader, encompassing lower hills and interconnected forest patches crucial for overall Aravalli ecology. |
| Implication for Conservation | Less comprehensive protection, potentially leaving vulnerable ecological areas open to development and degradation. | More robust and holistic protection, safeguarding a larger portion of the Aravalli ecosystem from various threats. |
| Decision Context | Accepted by Supreme Court, reflecting a balance between conservation and development pressures. | Opposed by Supreme Court, despite being recommended by its own expert committee for broader ecological benefit. |
और जानकारी
पृष्ठभूमि
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. With reference to the recent Supreme Court decision on Aravalli protection, consider the following statements: 1. The Supreme Court accepted the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change's (MoEF&CC) definition for Aravalli protection. 2. The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) had recommended the Forest Survey of India's (FSI) 3-degree slope definition for broader protection. 3. The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) is a statutory body established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is correct as the SC accepted MoEF&CC's 100-meter rule. Statement 2 is correct as the CEC had argued for FSI's 3-degree slope definition. Statement 3 is incorrect; the CEC was established by the Supreme Court in 2002, not as a statutory body under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. In the context of the Aravalli Range, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world. 2. It acts as a major watershed between the Ganga and Indus river systems. 3. Guru Shikhar, its highest peak, is located in the state of Rajasthan. 4. The range primarily extends through Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: A
Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct. The Aravalli Range is indeed one of the oldest fold mountains, acts as a watershed, and Guru Shikhar in Rajasthan is its highest peak. Statement 4 is incorrect because the Aravalli Range extends through Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi, not Punjab.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) in India: 1. It was constituted by the Supreme Court of India to monitor the implementation of its orders and existing laws relating to forests and wildlife. 2. Its recommendations are binding on the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). 3. It plays an advisory role in matters of forest diversion and compensatory afforestation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is correct; the CEC was indeed constituted by the Supreme Court in 2002. Statement 3 is correct; the CEC primarily plays an advisory role, offering recommendations on various forest and environmental matters, including forest diversion. Statement 2 is incorrect; while its recommendations carry significant weight due to its origin, they are not legally binding on the MoEF&CC, as seen in the recent Aravalli case where the SC itself chose to accept MoEF&CC's definition over CEC's.
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