Supreme Court Pressures Centre to Establish Uniform Technical Criteria for Defining the Aravalli Hills Range
The Union government has struggled to provide a uniform technical definition of the Aravalli hills, a critical ecological range spanning four states. Despite multiple committees and a year of effort, the Centre's proposed definition only protects areas above 100 meters from mining, leaving vast stretches vulnerable. The Supreme Court has threatened contempt proceedings, emphasizing the need for a definition that balances ecological conservation with economic growth. The conflict involves differing views from the Forest Survey of India (FSI) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) on using slope and relief as criteria for definition.
Key Points
- The Aravalli range is an ancient mountain system extending from Delhi to Gujarat, primarily located in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat.
- The 2019 National Mineral Policy encourages the mining of critical minerals, creating a conflict with the need for ecological preservation.
- A technical sub-committee suggested defining 'hills' based on slope and relief, but consensus remains elusive across different terrains.
- Illegal mining and the 'hacking' of slopes have led to significant environmental degradation in the region, prompting judicial intervention.
Exam Facts
- The Aravalli range is approximately 700 km long.
- The 2019 National Mineral Policy is a key document influencing mining activities in the region.
- The Forest Survey of India (FSI) and Geological Survey of India (GSI) are the primary technical bodies involved.
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