NEW DELHI: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to stay its order regarding the “new definition” of the Aravalli range, which had faced widespread criticism.
The minister affirmed the government’s commitment to providing all necessary support through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) for the protection and restoration of the Aravalli range.
“I welcome the Supreme Court’s directive to stay its order on the Aravalli range and the constitution of a new committee to examine related issues. We remain committed to offering full support via MOEFCC for the preservation and restoration of the Aravalli hills. Currently, a complete ban on mining remains in effect for both new mining leases and renewals of existing ones,” the minister posted on X.
His remarks follow a press conference earlier this month amid public outrage over the “new definition” of the Aravalli hills. At that time, he clarified that no new mining leases would be allowed in core, protected, and ecologically sensitive areas, including the National Capital Region (NCR).
Regarding the Supreme Court’s approval of the government’s “new definition” of the Aravallis, the minister stated, “The judgment recognises and supports the Government of India’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the Aravalli range through scientific assessment, stringent safeguards, and initiatives like the Aravalli Green Wall Project.”
The controversy began in November when the Supreme Court accepted the central government’s proposal on the official identification of the Aravalli hills. Under the new guideline, only hills rising at least 100 metres above the surrounding terrain, or clusters of such hills in close proximity, will be considered part of the Aravalli range for regulatory purposes.
While the aim of the move was to resolve long-standing disputes, critics have raised concerns that the narrower ecological definition could affect environmental protection and sustainable development efforts.
