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30 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
2 min
Environment & EcologyPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Supreme Court Orders Strict Protection for Aravalli Hills, Bans Illegal Construction

Supreme Court mandates strict protection for Aravalli hills, ordering demolition of illegal structures and preserving forest land.

Supreme Court Orders Strict Protection for Aravalli Hills, Bans Illegal Construction

Photo by Prince Lewis

The Supreme Court has delivered a significant judgment concerning the protection of the Aravalli hills, directing authorities to remove all illegal constructions and safeguard the forest land. The court emphasized that the Aravallis, often referred to as the "lungs of Delhi," are crucial for the region's ecological balance, groundwater recharge, and as a natural barrier against desertification.

This ruling reinforces previous directives to preserve the fragile ecosystem from unchecked urbanization and mining. The judgment underscores the judiciary's proactive role in environmental governance and holds state governments accountable for implementing conservation measures, ensuring the long-term ecological security of the region.

Key Facts

1.

SC judgment on Aravalli hills protection

2.

Order to remove illegal constructions

3.

Aravallis are 'lungs of Delhi'

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

Geographical significance of Aravalli Range (formation, extent, characteristics)

2.

Ecological services provided by mountain ranges (biodiversity, water, climate regulation)

3.

Legal and constitutional provisions for environmental protection in India (Acts, DPSP, Fundamental Duties)

4.

Role of judiciary in environmental governance (PILs, landmark judgments, NGT)

5.

Challenges in environmental conservation (balancing development with ecology, inter-state cooperation, enforcement issues)

Visual Insights

Aravalli Range: 'Lungs of Delhi' & Region of Concern

This map illustrates the geographical extent of the Aravalli Range across four Indian states and highlights key areas mentioned in the Supreme Court's judgment regarding illegal construction and environmental protection. It emphasizes the range's critical role for Delhi and surrounding regions.

Loading interactive map...

📍Delhi📍Haryana📍Rajasthan📍Gujarat
More Information

Background

The Aravalli Range, one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world, has been under increasing environmental pressure due to rapid urbanization, illegal mining, and unchecked construction activities in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding states. Despite its critical ecological role as a natural barrier against desertification, a groundwater recharge zone, and a biodiversity hotspot, its degradation has continued. Various environmental groups and concerned citizens have consistently highlighted the need for its protection, leading to multiple judicial interventions over the years.

Latest Developments

The Supreme Court's recent judgment reinforces previous directives, ordering strict protection for the Aravalli Hills by banning illegal construction and mandating the removal of existing encroachments. The court specifically highlighted the Aravallis' role as the 'lungs of Delhi' and its importance for ecological balance and groundwater recharge. This ruling underscores the judiciary's proactive stance in environmental governance and holds state governments accountable for implementing conservation measures.

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. 2. It acts as a natural barrier preventing the eastward spread of the Thar Desert. 3. The highest peak of the Aravalli Range is Guru Shikhar, located in Rajasthan. 4. The range is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks, indicating its ancient marine origin. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  • A.1, 2 and 3 only
  • B.1, 3 and 4 only
  • C.2 and 4 only
  • D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is correct: The Aravallis are indeed one of the oldest fold mountain systems. Statement 2 is correct: The Aravallis play a crucial role in preventing the spread of the Thar Desert towards the fertile plains of northern India. Statement 3 is correct: Guru Shikhar, located in the Mount Abu region of Rajasthan, is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range. Statement 4 is incorrect: The Aravalli Range is primarily composed of ancient metamorphic rocks (like quartzites, gneisses, schists) and igneous rocks, not predominantly sedimentary rocks, which indicates its complex geological history involving intense folding and metamorphism.

2. In the context of environmental protection and judicial interventions in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Article 48A of the Constitution of India mandates the State to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife. 2. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to handle cases relating to environmental protection. 3. Public Interest Litigations (PILs) have been instrumental in expanding the scope of environmental rights and ensuring judicial oversight on environmental governance. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 only
  • B.1 and 2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct: Article 48A, a Directive Principle of State Policy, indeed directs the State to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife. Statement 2 is incorrect: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, not the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Statement 3 is correct: PILs have played a pivotal role in environmental jurisprudence in India, leading to landmark judgments and strengthening environmental protection. The Supreme Court's current ruling on Aravallis is an example of such judicial activism.

3. Which of the following statements best describes the 'Forest Land' as interpreted by the Supreme Court in various environmental judgments, including those related to the Aravallis? A) Any land officially notified as a 'Reserved Forest' or 'Protected Forest' under the Indian Forest Act, 1927. B) All land recorded as 'forest' in government records, irrespective of its classification under any law, and also areas that are forests in the dictionary meaning of the term. C) Only those areas that meet the minimum canopy density and tree cover criteria as defined by the Forest Survey of India. D) Land designated for afforestation programs by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

  • A.Any land officially notified as a 'Reserved Forest' or 'Protected Forest' under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
  • B.All land recorded as 'forest' in government records, irrespective of its classification under any law, and also areas that are forests in the dictionary meaning of the term.
  • C.Only those areas that meet the minimum canopy density and tree cover criteria as defined by the Forest Survey of India.
  • D.Land designated for afforestation programs by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Show Answer

Answer: B

Option B is the most accurate description, derived from the landmark T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India & Ors. case (1996). In this judgment, the Supreme Court gave a broad interpretation to the term 'forest land', stating that it would include not only statutorily recognized forests (Reserved, Protected, or Village Forests) but also any area recorded as 'forest' in government records, irrespective of its classification, and even areas that are forests in the dictionary meaning of the term. This broad definition has been crucial in protecting many ecologically sensitive areas, including parts of the Aravallis, from non-forest activities. Options A, C, and D represent narrower or specific aspects of forest classification but do not capture the comprehensive judicial interpretation.

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