Aravalli Protection: Centre Directs States to Halt Mining, Political Battle Intensifies
Centre orders states to stop Aravalli mining, intensifying political and environmental battle over the crucial hills.
Photo by Prince Lewis
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Centre directs Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat to follow SC order on mining
Supreme Court ban on mining in Aravalli region since 2002
MoEFCC directive on no new mining leases without prior approval
Key Dates
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Visual Insights
Aravalli Range: A Flashpoint for Environmental Protection
This map illustrates the geographic spread of the Aravalli mountain range across four states and highlights the states directly implicated in the Centre's directive against illegal mining. The Aravallis are crucial for regional ecology and water security.
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Aravalli Protection: A Chronology of Legal Battles & Directives
This timeline outlines key judicial interventions and governmental actions concerning the protection of the Aravalli hills, highlighting the persistent challenge of illegal mining despite repeated directives.
The Aravalli protection saga is a classic example of environmental governance challenges in India, where judicial activism and central directives often clash with local economic interests and political pressures. Despite over two decades of Supreme Court intervention, illegal mining persists, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement and Centre-State cooperation.
- 1992Earth Summit (Rio) - Global focus on sustainable development.
- 2002Supreme Court bans mining in parts of Aravalli region (e.g., around Badkhal Lake, Haryana).
- 2009SC expands mining ban to cover non-forest land in Aravallis of Haryana.
- 2010National Green Tribunal (NGT) established, taking over many environmental cases.
- 2018SC rules that 44,000 acres of land in Faridabad and Gurugram (Haryana) are 'forest land' under Aravalli notification, restricting non-forest activities.
- 2020MoEFCC issues warnings to states regarding persistent illegal mining in Aravallis.
- 2022Reports of continued illegal mining, particularly in Rajasthan and Haryana, despite bans.
- 2024Growing 'Save Aravalli Hills' movement gains traction, increasing political pressure.
- 2025Centre directs Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat to strictly comply with SC orders and halt illegal mining; no new leases without MoEFCC approval.
Exam Angles
Environmental Governance and Enforcement
Centre-State Relations in Environmental Protection
Role of Judiciary in Environmental Safeguards
Sustainable Development vs. Economic Interests
Biodiversity Conservation and Desertification Control
Impact of Mining on Ecosystems and Local Communities
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Summary
The Aravalli hills continue to be a flashpoint, with the Centre directing Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat to strictly comply with Supreme Court orders against illegal mining. This directive comes amidst a growing "Save Aravalli Hills" movement, highlighting the political and environmental stakes. Despite a 2002 SC ban and subsequent rulings, illegal mining persists, leading to severe ecological damage.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has emphasized that no new mining leases should be granted in the Aravalli region without prior approval. This issue tests both the BJP and Congress, as environmental protection clashes with economic interests and local political pressures. The Aravallis are vital for groundwater recharge, biodiversity, and as a natural barrier against desertification, making their protection a critical environmental and governance challenge.
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Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Aravalli Range: 1. It is an ancient fold mountain system, predating the Himalayas. 2. It acts as a significant barrier to the eastward spread of the Thar Desert. 3. The range is primarily located in Rajasthan, extending into Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi. 4. It is a crucial source of groundwater recharge for the surrounding semi-arid regions. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.2, 3 and 4 only
- C.1, 2 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: D
All four statements are correct. The Aravallis are indeed one of the oldest fold mountain systems. They play a critical role in checking the spread of the Thar Desert towards the fertile plains of northern India. The range spans across Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi. Its geological structure and forest cover are vital for groundwater recharge in the region.
2. In the context of environmental governance and mining in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, is the primary central legislation governing mining activities in India. 2. The Supreme Court of India has the power to issue directives to state governments regarding environmental protection, which are binding under Article 142 of the Constitution. 3. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is mandatory for all mining projects, irrespective of their scale or location, before granting environmental clearance. 4. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the sole authority for granting mining leases in ecologically sensitive areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1, 2 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct: The MMDR Act, 1957, is indeed the principal legislation. Statement 2 is correct: The Supreme Court's power to issue binding directives to ensure complete justice is derived from Article 142. Statement 3 is incorrect: While EIA is crucial, there are exemptions for minor minerals or projects below a certain threshold, though the trend is towards stricter regulation. Statement 4 is incorrect: The MoEFCC grants environmental clearance, but mining leases are primarily granted by the respective state governments, though with central oversight in certain cases and requiring MoEFCC's environmental clearance.
3. Which of the following is NOT a direct consequence of extensive illegal mining in the Aravalli region?
- A.Accelerated desertification in parts of Rajasthan and Haryana.
- B.Depletion of groundwater levels and reduced water security for local communities.
- C.Increased frequency and intensity of seismic activity in the region.
- D.Loss of biodiversity and habitat fragmentation for wildlife.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Extensive illegal mining in the Aravalli region directly leads to accelerated desertification (A), depletion of groundwater (B), and loss of biodiversity and habitat fragmentation (D). However, while mining can cause localized ground instability, it is generally not a direct cause of increased frequency and intensity of regional seismic activity (C), which is primarily linked to tectonic plate movements. The Aravallis are a stable cratonic region, not a seismically active zone.