SC Halts Aravalli Judgment, Proposes Expert Panel for Definition
Supreme Court pauses Aravalli judgment, suggests new panel to redefine the crucial mountain range.
Photo by Fine Photographics
The Supreme Court has paused its judgment on defining the Aravalli mountain system, a critical ecological zone. The court noted that its previous definition, based on a 1992 order, might be outdated and could lead to adverse ecological consequences. Instead, a bench comprising Justices B.R.
Gavai and Sandeep Mehta has proposed forming an independent expert committee. This committee would include representatives from the Union Environment Ministry, the Survey of India, and the Forest Research Institute, tasked with providing a comprehensive definition of the Aravallis, considering its geological and ecological significance. This move aims to ensure a more accurate and sustainable approach to protecting this vital natural resource, which is crucial for the environment of several states.
मुख्य तथ्य
SC paused judgment on Aravalli definition
Proposed independent expert committee
Previous definition from 1992 order
UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Geography: Aravalli range features, extent, significance.
Environment & Ecology: Ecological role, biodiversity, threats, conservation efforts, concept of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs).
Polity & Governance: Role of Supreme Court, expert committees, environmental jurisprudence, inter-state environmental issues, environmental acts (EPA, Forest Act).
Institutions: Roles of MoEFCC, Survey of India, Forest Research Institute, NGT.
दृश्य सामग्री
Aravalli Mountain System: Extent and Key States
This map illustrates the geographical spread of the Aravalli Mountain System across four Indian states and the National Capital Territory, highlighting its critical ecological significance for these regions. The Supreme Court's decision to define this zone impacts environmental governance in these areas.
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Evolution of Aravalli Protection & Supreme Court Interventions
This timeline outlines key judicial and policy milestones concerning the protection of the Aravalli Mountain System, leading up to the Supreme Court's current decision to re-evaluate its definition.
The Aravalli range has been a subject of continuous legal and environmental debate for decades. The Supreme Court and other bodies have repeatedly intervened to curb its degradation. The current decision to form an expert panel signifies a recognition that previous definitions might be inadequate for effective, long-term ecological protection, reflecting an evolving approach to environmental governance.
- 1992Supreme Court's initial order defining Aravalli as a 'geological feature' (basis for current re-evaluation).
- 2002SC bans mining in Aravalli hills in Haryana, emphasizing environmental protection.
- 2009MoEFCC issues specific Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notifications for projects in the Aravalli region.
- 2018SC directs states to demolish illegal structures and encroachments in Aravalli forest areas, citing 'forest land' definition.
- 2020National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposes fines on illegal mining activities in parts of the Aravallis.
- 2024Reports from environmental agencies highlight continued degradation, illegal mining, and encroachment despite legal interventions.
- 2025Supreme Court halts judgment on Aravalli definition, proposes independent expert committee for a comprehensive, updated definition.
और जानकारी
पृष्ठभूमि
The Aravalli mountain range, one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world, spans across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. It is a critical ecological zone, acting as a green lung, a groundwater recharge zone, and a barrier against desertification.
Historically, its definition and protection have been subject to various legal interpretations, with a 1992 Supreme Court order often cited. However, rapid urbanization, illegal mining, and developmental pressures have led to significant degradation, prompting calls for a more comprehensive and updated definition.
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Aravalli mountain system: 1. It is one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world. 2. It primarily extends across Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat. 3. Guru Shikhar, located in the Abu Hills, is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range. 4. The Aravallis act as a natural barrier preventing the eastward spread of the Thar Desert. Which of the statements given above are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: D
All four statements are correct. The Aravallis are indeed one of the oldest fold mountain systems. They span the mentioned states. Guru Shikhar is its highest peak. Its presence is crucial in checking the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert, making all statements accurate.
2. In the context of environmental governance and the Supreme Court's recent proposal for an expert panel on the Aravallis, consider the following statements: 1. The Survey of India, a proposed member of the expert panel, is the national mapping agency under the Ministry of Science & Technology. 2. The Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, is an institution under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). 3. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has jurisdiction over cases related to the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: D
All three statements are correct. The Survey of India functions under the Department of Science & Technology (Ministry of Science & Technology). The Forest Research Institute is a constituent of ICFRE, which is an autonomous body under MoEFCC. The NGT has jurisdiction over seven specific environmental laws, including the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, making all statements correct.
3. Which of the following is NOT a major ecological function or significance of the Aravalli mountain system?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: C
The Aravalli range is primarily known for its role in groundwater recharge, biodiversity, and as a green barrier against desertification and pollution. However, it is not a major source of perennial rivers feeding the Gangetic plains. Rivers originating from the Aravallis are mostly seasonal and flow into local basins or the Arabian Sea drainage system (e.g., Luni, Sabarmati). The major perennial rivers for the Gangetic plains originate from the Himalayas.
4. In the context of environmental protection and judicial interventions in India, consider the following statements: 1. The 'Precautionary Principle' and 'Polluter Pays Principle' were incorporated into Indian environmental jurisprudence by the Supreme Court in various M.C. Mehta v. Union of India cases. 2. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, empowers the Central Government to take measures for protecting and improving the quality of the environment and preventing, controlling, and abating environmental pollution. 3. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, primarily aims to recognize and vest forest rights and occupation in forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: A
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Supreme Court, particularly through the M.C. Mehta cases, played a pivotal role in incorporating key environmental principles like 'Precautionary Principle' and 'Polluter Pays Principle' into Indian law. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, is a comprehensive umbrella legislation for environmental protection. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, primarily regulates the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes. The recognition of forest rights is the primary objective of the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
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