Supreme Court to Revisit Aravalli Definition Amid Environmental Concerns
SC reopens Aravalli definition debate, crucial for environmental protection and mining regulation.
Photo by Prince Lewis
The Supreme Court has initiated suo motu proceedings to re-examine the definition of the Aravalli Hills, scheduling a hearing for December 29. This comes after a previous SC-approved definition, based on a Union Environment Ministry panel's recommendation, limited legal recognition to landforms 100 meters or more above local relief.
Critics argue this narrow definition could expose vast areas of the Aravallis to mining and development, undermining crucial ecological protection. The court's intervention highlights the ongoing conflict between development and environmental conservation in ecologically sensitive regions.
मुख्य तथ्य
SC initiated suo motu proceedings on Aravalli definition
Hearing scheduled for December 29
Previous SC-approved definition limited Aravallis to landforms 100m or more above local relief
Union Environment Ministry panel recommended the 100m definition
UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Geographical significance and characteristics of Aravalli Range
Ecological importance, biodiversity, and environmental services of mountain ranges
Role of the Supreme Court in environmental jurisprudence (suo motu powers, Article 142)
Environmental protection laws and policies in India (e.g., Environment Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act)
Conflict between development and environmental conservation in ecologically sensitive areas
Concept of 'Ecologically Sensitive Zones' (ESZs) and their definitions
Impact of mining and urbanization on fragile ecosystems
दृश्य सामग्री
Aravalli Hills: Ecological Significance & Areas Under Review
This map illustrates the geographical spread of the Aravalli Range, a crucial ecological corridor, across four Indian states/UTs. It highlights the regions directly impacted by the Supreme Court's re-examination of the Aravalli definition, emphasizing the conflict between development and environmental protection in these sensitive areas.
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और जानकारी
पृष्ठभूमि
The Aravalli Range, one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world, stretches across Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat. It plays a crucial ecological role, acting as a natural barrier to desertification, a watershed for several rivers, and a biodiversity hotspot.
Over the years, it has faced immense pressure from mining, urbanization, and illegal construction, leading to significant degradation. Various legal and policy interventions, including Supreme Court directives and environmental acts, have attempted to protect this fragile ecosystem.
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Aravalli Range: 1. It is one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world, primarily running in a northeast-southwest direction. 2. It acts as a natural barrier preventing the eastward spread of the Thar Desert. 3. Guru Shikhar, its highest peak, is located in the state of Rajasthan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: D
Statement 1 is correct. The Aravalli Range is indeed one of the oldest fold mountain systems and runs in a NE-SW direction. Statement 2 is correct. The Aravallis play a crucial role in checking the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert. Statement 3 is correct. Guru Shikhar, located in the Mount Abu region of Rajasthan, is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range.
2. In the context of environmental protection in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Supreme Court's power to initiate suo motu proceedings for environmental matters is derived from Article 142 of the Constitution. 2. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, empowers the Central Government to take measures for protecting and improving the quality of the environment. 3. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has exclusive jurisdiction over all civil cases involving substantial questions relating to the environment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. While Article 142 grants the Supreme Court extraordinary power to do 'complete justice' in any cause or matter, its suo motu power for environmental matters is more broadly rooted in its role as protector of fundamental rights (Article 21 - Right to life includes right to a healthy environment) and its inherent powers. Article 142 allows it to pass necessary orders for complete justice, but the initiation of suo motu is not solely derived from it. Statement 2 is correct. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, is an umbrella legislation empowering the Central Government to take comprehensive measures for environmental protection. Statement 3 is correct. The NGT was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, and has exclusive jurisdiction over all civil cases involving substantial questions relating to the environment, including enforcement of legal rights relating to the environment.
3. Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of a narrow, relief-based definition of ecologically sensitive areas like the Aravalli Hills?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: C
A narrow, relief-based definition would exclude significant portions of the Aravallis from legal protection, making them vulnerable. Options A, B, and D are all potential negative consequences: increased vulnerability of biodiversity, enhanced illegal activities, and accelerated land-use change. Option C, 'Improved ecological connectivity and corridor formation for wildlife,' is the opposite of what would happen. A narrow definition would fragment habitats and disrupt ecological connectivity, not improve it.
संबंधित लेख
दिल्ली एनसीआर के लिए केवल ईवी पर बहस पर कार निर्माता, सीएक्यूएम आमने-सामने
भारत को आज बोत्सवाना से आठ चीतों का नया जत्था मिलेगा
Enhancing Disaster Resilience Through Community Participation and Local Knowledge
एनजीटी में विशेषज्ञों के लिए जगह, उनमें से ज्यादातर अब पूर्व सरकारी अधिकारी हैं
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