The Aravalli Question: Balancing Strategic Mineral Needs with Environmental Conservation
The Aravalli Hills face threats from 'strategic exemptions' that bypass environmental scrutiny for mining critical minerals. While the Supreme Court has sought to define 'Aravalli Hills' and 'Aravalli Range' to restrict mining, the government often uses executive discretion for 'national defence' or 'strategic considerations.' The 2023 amendment to the Forest (Conservation) Act has further widened exemptions. This creates a conflict between India's climate commitments and industrial demand for minerals like lithium and rare-earth elements. Experts argue for a transparent framework to arbitrate these conflicts, ensuring sustainable development and protection of the Aravallis' vital ecosystem services.
Key Points
- The Aravalli Hills are crucial for groundwater recharge and preventing desertification, but face pressure from illegal mining and urban expansion.
- Recent legal battles focus on defining the geographical extent of the Aravallis to enforce mining prohibitions.
- The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, provides broad exemptions for 'strategic' and 'security-related' projects.
- There is a lack of a clear framework to balance the need for critical minerals for the green energy transition with environmental protection.
Exam Facts
- Relevant Law: Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023.
- Minerals involved: Lithium, rare-earth elements, tungsten.
- Court: Supreme Court of India (orders dated Nov 20 and Dec 23).
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