The Supreme Court has issued a stern directive to the Rajasthan government and the Union, ordering an immediate stoppage of illegal mining and the illicit felling of trees within the Aravalli range.
A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, emphasized that “indiscriminate mining cannot be allowed” due to the catastrophic environmental risks involved.
The court explicitly warned that unauthorized activities in this sensitive region lead to “irreversible consequences and destructive results”.
Rajasthan’s Assurance
During the proceedings, the Bench recorded a formal assurance from the state of Rajasthan that it would forthwith ensure no illegal mining takes place.
Representing the state, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) KM Natraj stated that prompt action would be taken if any instances of such activities were brought to the government’s notice.
This commitment follows reports from Senior Advocate Raju Ramachandran, who highlighted that fresh mining leases were still being granted despite existing prohibitory orders.
Aravalli New Definition
A central point of contention in these legal proceedings is the technical definition of what constitutes an “Aravalli Hill”. In a November judgment, the court had initially accepted a definition narrowing the range to landforms with a minimum elevation of 100 metres from the local relief.
However, this ruling was stayed on December 29 after environmentalists raised alarms that this elevation criterion could exclude thousands of smaller, ecologically vital hills from legal protection.
Delineation Concerns
Critics argue that relying solely on a 100-metre threshold would create a regulatory vacuum. Recent data suggested that out of 12,081 hills in Rajasthan, only about 1,048 would meet this specific elevation requirement.
This drastic reduction would potentially open vast tracts of previously protected land to industrial development. Furthermore, the court is investigating whether a rule requiring hills to be within 500 metres of each other to form a “range” paradoxically shrinks the overall conservation footprint.
Expert Committee
To resolve these complex geological and environmental issues, the Supreme Court has proposed the formation of a high-powered expert committee.
This panel will consist of independent domain specialists, including environmentalists, geologists, and scientists with expertise in mining. The committee is expected to work under the direct supervision of the apex court to re-examine the definition and delineation of the entire Aravalli range.
Green Lungs
The Aravallis are frequently referred to as the “green lungs of north-western India,” serving as a primary natural barrier against the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert.
They play a critical role in sustaining groundwater levels and supporting a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.
The court noted that decades of urbanization and intensive resource extraction have already placed this “inherently fragile ecosystem” under immense strain.
New Mining Permits
Until the legal proceedings reach a “logical finality,” the Supreme Court has mandated that no new mining permissions or renewals shall be granted in areas identified by the Forest Survey of India’s 2010 report.
This restriction applies to the Aravalli hills and ranges across the affected states unless prior approval is obtained from the apex court. This measure aims to maintain the status quo while the expert committee conducts its review.
Aravalli Protest
The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the matter in late 2025 following widespread public protests and concerns from civil society organizations.
The court clarified that the ongoing proceedings are non-adversarial, focusing instead on a scientifically informed approach to regional preservation. The case is scheduled for further hearing in four weeks, during which the current interim stay on the revised definition will remain in effect.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Safeguarding the Aravallis is a moral duty for our collective well-being. The Supreme Court’s firm stand against illegal mining protects our vital “green lungs,” reflecting a deep commitment to ecological harmony.
Through non-adversarial dialogue and expert-led guidance, we must balance human development with nature’s rights. Let’s embrace empathy for our environment, fostering a peaceful coexistence where progress never sacrifices the planet’s future
Also Read: ‘Save Aravalli’ Trends as Mass Protests Erupt in North India Over Supreme Court Ruling
