Centre Directs States to Enforce SC Orders Protecting Fragile Aravali Hills
Centre mandates states to enforce SC orders, protecting Aravalis from mining, ensuring environmental preservation.
Photo by Aditi Gupta
The Union Environment Ministry has directed Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat to enforce Supreme Court orders preventing new mining leases in the Aravali ranges until a comprehensive management plan is finalized. This move comes amidst criticism from environmental activists regarding potential mining in the fragile region. Existing mines must strictly comply with norms.
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has been tasked with preparing a Sustainable Mining Management Plan, which will identify permissible and ecologically sensitive areas, aiming to enlarge protected zones. This directive underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding the Aravalis, a critical ecological corridor, and addresses a long-standing environmental concern where a uniform definition of the Aravali range has been elusive across states.
Key Facts
Union Environment Ministry issued orders to Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat
Supreme Court orders prevent new mining leases in Aravalis
Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to prepare Sustainable Mining Management Plan
Plan to identify permissible and ecologically sensitive areas for mining
Existing mines must comply with norms
UPSC Exam Angles
Geographical significance and features of the Aravali Range
Environmental governance and protection laws (e.g., EPA, FCA)
Role of judiciary (Supreme Court) in environmental protection
Centre-State relations in environmental policy implementation
Sustainable development and balancing economic activity (mining) with conservation
Role and mandate of institutions like ICFRE
Visual Insights
Aravali Range: A Critical Ecological Corridor Under Protection
This map illustrates the geographical spread of the ancient Aravali Range across four Indian states and Delhi. It highlights the states (Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat) that have been directed by the Union Environment Ministry to enforce Supreme Court orders preventing new mining leases, underscoring the region's ecological sensitivity and the ongoing efforts for its conservation.
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More Information
Background
The Aravali Range, one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world, stretches across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. It plays a crucial ecological role as a natural barrier against desertification, a watershed for several rivers, and a biodiversity hotspot.
However, it has faced severe degradation due to illegal mining, encroachment, and urbanization over decades, leading to environmental concerns and numerous Supreme Court interventions. A long-standing issue has been the lack of a uniform definition of the Aravali range across states, complicating conservation efforts.
Latest Developments
The Union Environment Ministry has recently directed Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat to strictly enforce Supreme Court orders prohibiting new mining leases in the Aravali ranges. This directive is in effect until a comprehensive Sustainable Mining Management Plan is finalized.
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has been tasked with preparing this plan, which aims to identify permissible and ecologically sensitive areas and potentially enlarge protected zones. Existing mines are required to comply strictly with environmental norms.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Aravali Range: 1. It is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, extending from Gujarat to Delhi. 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. 4. The range is a crucial watershed for several rivers, including the Luni and Sabarmati. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.2, 3 and 4 only
- C.1, 3 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: D
All four statements are correct. The Aravalis are indeed one of the oldest fold mountains, extending from Gujarat through Rajasthan and Haryana to Delhi. They play a critical role in checking the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert. Guru Shikhar, located in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan, is the highest peak. The range is also a vital watershed for rivers like the Luni, Sabarmati, Banas, and Sahibi.
2. In the context of environmental protection and governance in India, consider the following statements: 1. The 'polluter pays' principle is explicitly enshrined as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. 2. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, was enacted in the aftermath of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. 3. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has original jurisdiction over all civil cases where a substantial question relating to the environment is involved. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is incorrect. The 'polluter pays' principle is a principle of environmental law that has been adopted by Indian courts and is part of environmental jurisprudence, but it is not explicitly enshrined as a fundamental right under Article 21. Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to a healthy environment. Statement 2 is correct. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, was indeed enacted as a comprehensive legislation to protect and improve the environment, largely in response to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Statement 3 is correct. The NGT was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, and has original jurisdiction over all civil cases involving substantial questions relating to the environment.
3. With reference to the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Its mandate includes conducting forestry research, education, and extension activities. 3. It is primarily responsible for preparing the National Forest Policy of India. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. ICFRE is indeed an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and its core mandate revolves around forestry research, education, and extension. Statement 3 is incorrect. While ICFRE's research and expertise contribute significantly to policy formulation, the National Forest Policy of India is primarily formulated by the MoEFCC itself, often after extensive consultations with various stakeholders and expert bodies, not solely by ICFRE.
4. Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or implication of the Union Environment Ministry's recent directive regarding the Aravali Hills?
- A.To prevent the issuance of new mining leases until a comprehensive management plan is finalized.
- B.To ensure strict compliance of existing mines with environmental norms.
- C.To establish a uniform definition of the Aravali range across all concerned states.
- D.To delegate the complete authority for mining regulation in Aravalis to the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).
Show Answer
Answer: D
Options A, B, and C are all stated objectives or implications of the directive. The directive explicitly aims to prevent new mining leases and ensure compliance of existing ones. The summary also mentions that the directive 'addresses a long-standing environmental concern where a uniform definition of the Aravali range has been elusive across states,' implying an objective to move towards such a definition. However, option D is incorrect. ICFRE has been tasked with *preparing* a Sustainable Mining Management Plan, which will *identify* permissible and ecologically sensitive areas. This is an advisory and planning role, not a delegation of 'complete authority for mining regulation' to ICFRE. The regulatory authority remains with the government/ministry.
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