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Case Overview

Case Name: In Re: Protection of Aravalli Hills and Regulation of Mining Activities

This matter arises from long-standing concerns over illegal and unregulated mining in the Aravalli mountain system spanning Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat and Delhi . The Supreme Court of India while monitoring environmental degradation in the region, constituted a high-level committee in May 2024 to evolve a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills . The committee was chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, with representatives from concerned States and technical bodies . Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav reiterated that the court-approved framework significantly enhances ecological protection and does not dilute safeguards .

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Key Aspects

The dispute revolves around allegations that a revised definition of the Aravalli hills enables mining in previously protected areas . The Court examined whether uniform criteria were necessary to curb misuse and ensure consistent environmental protection across States .

• Supreme Court directed adoption of a standardised definition to eliminate ambiguity in mining permissions .
• Rajasthan’s 2006 definition, based on landforms rising 100 metres above local relief, was accepted .
• Mining is prohibited within the lowest bounding contour enclosing entire hill systems .
• Hills within 500 metres are treated as a single range, widening protected coverage .
• More than 90% of the Aravalli region is brought under protected area classification .

Legal Insights

The Court’s directions reflect a constitutional and statutory commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development . The legal framework governing the issue was examined comprehensively .

• Article 21, Constitution of India : Right to life interpreted to include a healthy and pollution-free environment .
• Article 142, Constitution of India : Invoked to pass binding directions ensuring complete environmental justice .
• Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 : Governs grant and regulation of mining leases .
• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 : Empowers the Centre to impose prohibitions in eco-sensitive areas .

Court’s Verdict

The Supreme Court approved the committee’s recommendations, imposed a complete freeze on new mining leases in the Aravalli region, and directed preparation of a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining . Existing mines may continue only under strict compliance reaffirming that conservation of the Aravallis is paramount .

Source – Supreme Court of India 

Read also – Constitution of India

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