Supreme Court's Shifting Stance on Aravalli Protection Sparks Environmental Concerns
SC's recent acceptance of a 100-meter Aravalli definition contradicts its 2010 rejection, raising environmental alarm.
Photo by Prince Lewis
The Supreme Court has sparked environmental concern by recently accepting a 100-metre height benchmark for defining Aravalli hills, a stance that directly contradicts its own 2010 order. Fifteen years ago, the apex court had rejected Rajasthan's 100-metre definition, instead directing the Forest Survey of India (FSI) to conduct a comprehensive survey, which subsequently proposed a 3-degree slope norm for Aravalli identification. However, in a recent ruling on November 20, the SC disregarded the FSI's scientific norm and favored the 100-metre benchmark, now recommended by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
This shift has significant implications for the protection of the ecologically fragile Aravalli range, which is vital for the region's environment and water security. The editorial cartoon "Business as Usual" and related articles like "Why Aravallis matter" underscore the critical nature of this judicial decision.
Key Facts
Supreme Court recently accepted 100-metre definition for Aravallis
SC had rejected this definition in 2010
2010 order led to FSI survey proposing 3-degree slope norm
Recent SC ruling (Nov 20) ignored FSI norm
MoEFCC recommended 100-metre benchmark
UPSC Exam Angles
Geography: Aravalli Range - location, geological features, ecological significance, drainage patterns.
Environment & Ecology: Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs), biodiversity conservation, desertification, water security, role of FSI and MoEFCC.
Polity & Governance: Role of Supreme Court in environmental jurisprudence, judicial review, inter-ministerial coordination, environmental policy formulation and implementation.
Current Affairs: Specific SC rulings, government policies impacting environmental protection.
Visual Insights
Aravalli Range: Ecological Lifeline & Judicial Crossroads
This map illustrates the geographical spread of the Aravalli Range across four states, highlighting its critical ecological role and the areas impacted by the Supreme Court's recent decision on its definition. The range is vital for groundwater recharge, biodiversity, and checking desertification.
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Supreme Court's Evolving Stance on Aravalli Protection
This timeline traces key judicial and policy developments concerning the definition and protection of the Aravalli Range, highlighting the Supreme Court's shifting position over time.
The protection of the Aravallis has been a contentious issue for decades, involving conflicts between developmental pressures and environmental conservation. The Supreme Court has historically played a crucial role in safeguarding the range, but its recent decision marks a significant shift from its earlier stance, raising concerns about the future of this ecologically vital region.
- 1984Bhopal Gas Tragedy: Catalyzes comprehensive environmental legislation in India.
- 1986Environment (Protection) Act (EPA) enacted: Umbrella legislation for environmental safeguards.
- 2010SC rejects Rajasthan's 100-metre Aravalli definition; directs FSI survey for scientific norm.
- 2012-2014Forest Survey of India (FSI) conducts survey, proposes 3-degree slope norm for Aravalli identification.
- 2019SC bans mining in Aravallis of Rajasthan, emphasizing ecological fragility.
- 2024Union MoEFCC recommends 100-metre height benchmark for Aravalli definition.
- Nov 2025SC accepts MoEFCC's 100-metre height benchmark, disregarding FSI's scientific norm.
More Information
Background
The Aravalli Range, one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world, plays a crucial ecological role in North-West India, particularly for Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. It acts as a natural barrier against desertification, recharges groundwater, and is a critical biodiversity hotspot.
Historically, its protection has been a subject of legal battles, with the Supreme Court often intervening to safeguard its fragile ecosystem from rampant mining and encroachment. The definition of 'hill' or 'forest' in the Aravallis has been a contentious issue, directly impacting the scope of protection.
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Aravalli Range: 1. It is one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world, predating the Himalayas. 2. It acts as a natural barrier preventing the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert. 3. The range is primarily composed of metamorphic rocks like quartzite and marble. 4. It is a significant source of perennial rivers for the states of Rajasthan and Haryana. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1, 2 and 3 only
- C.3 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct. The Aravalli Range is indeed one of the oldest fold mountain systems, acts as a barrier to the Thar Desert, and is composed of ancient metamorphic rocks. Statement 4 is incorrect. While the Aravallis are crucial for groundwater recharge and are the source of some seasonal rivers like the Banas, Luni, and Sabarmati (originating from its southern slopes), they are not a significant source of *perennial* rivers for Rajasthan and Haryana in the same way the Himalayas are for the Indo-Gangetic plains. Most rivers originating from Aravallis are seasonal.
2. In the context of environmental governance in India, consider the following statements regarding the roles of different bodies: 1. The Forest Survey of India (FSI) is primarily responsible for assessing forest cover and preparing forest inventories. 2. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal agency for planning, promotion, coordination, and overseeing the implementation of environmental and forestry programmes. 3. The Supreme Court of India has the power to issue directions to both central and state governments for environmental protection under Article 32 and Article 142 of the Constitution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are correct. The FSI's primary mandate is indeed forest surveys and inventories. MoEFCC is the apex administrative body for environmental policy. The Supreme Court, through its powers under Article 32 (Right to Constitutional Remedies) and Article 142 (Enforcement of decrees and orders of Supreme Court), frequently issues directions to ensure environmental protection, often interpreting the 'right to life' (Article 21) to include the right to a clean environment. The news highlights a conflict where the SC's recent decision aligns with MoEFCC's recommendation over FSI's scientific input.
3. With reference to the Supreme Court's shifting stance on defining Aravalli hills, which of the following statements is NOT correct?
- A.The recent ruling by the Supreme Court accepted a 100-metre height benchmark for defining Aravalli hills.
- B.The 100-metre definition was previously rejected by the apex court in its 2010 order.
- C.The Forest Survey of India (FSI) had recommended a 3-degree slope norm for Aravalli identification.
- D.The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had consistently advocated for the 3-degree slope norm.
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statements A, B, and C are correct as per the news article. The recent ruling accepted the 100-metre benchmark, which was rejected in 2010, and FSI had indeed recommended the 3-degree slope. Statement D is NOT correct. The news explicitly states that the recent ruling favored the 100-metre benchmark, which was 'now recommended by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)'. This indicates that MoEFCC did *not* consistently advocate for the 3-degree slope norm; rather, it recommended the 100-metre benchmark in the recent context.
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