The Supreme Court has flagged the need for a fresh, independent assessment of issues related to the conservation and regulation of the Aravalli range, observing that clarity is required before implementing existing reports or judgments on the matter.
The Chief Justice noted that prior to enforcing the court’s directions, a fair and independent exercise was necessary to guide decision-making on several key questions concerning the ecological and regulatory framework governing the Aravallis.
Among the issues highlighted was whether restricting the definition of the Aravalli range to a 500-metre area has created a “structural paradox” by narrowing the conservation zone. The court also questioned whether such a definition has, in effect, expanded non-Aravalli areas where regulated mining activities may be permitted.
Another concern raised was the treatment of geographical gaps within the range. The Chief Justice pointed to situations where two hill areas, each rising to 100 metres or more, are separated by a distance of around 700 metres. The court sought clarity on whether regulated mining should be allowed in such gaps and how these areas ought to be classified from an environmental perspective.
The court further emphasised the importance of preserving the ecological continuity of the Aravalli range as a whole, rather than approaching conservation in a fragmented manner. It also raised the possibility that if a significant regulatory gap is identified, a comprehensive assessment may be required to ensure the long-term structural integrity of the range.
To address these issues, the court proposed the constitution of a high-powered expert committee comprising domain specialists. This committee would analyse the report already submitted by an expert body and provide guidance on the questions outlined by the court.
The observations signal the Supreme Court’s intent to adopt a more informed and scientifically grounded approach before taking any final call on conservation norms and mining regulation in the ecologically sensitive Aravalli region.
