Supreme Court to Hear Suo Motu Case Defining Aravalli Hills and Range
The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear a suo motu case regarding the definition of the Aravalli Hills and Range. This judicial intervention follows concerns that a narrow definition could facilitate unregulated mining and cause severe ecological damage. Previously, the court accepted a definition from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, which identifies 'Aravalli Hills' as landforms with an elevation of 100 meters or more above local relief. An 'Aravalli Range' is defined as a collection of two or more such hills within 500 meters of each other. The court aims to identify permissible mining areas while strictly protecting restoration priority zones.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court is taking suo motu cognizance to prevent ecological harm from unbridled mining in the Aravalli region.
- The Ministry of Environment defines Aravalli Hills based on a minimum elevation of 100 meters above local relief.
- The Aravalli Range is categorized as a cluster of hills located within 500 meters of one another.
- The court has directed authorities to identify restoration priority areas where mining is strictly prohibited.
Exam Facts
- Aravalli Hills definition requires an elevation of 100 metres or more above local relief.
- Aravalli Range is defined as a collection of two or more hills within 500 metres of each other.
- The Special Vacation Bench is headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.