Supreme Court Directs Mining Lease Actions

Key Facts and Highlights: Aravalli Hills Mining Regulations

1. Supreme Court Directive:

   • On November 20, the Supreme Court ordered a halt on granting new mining leases in the Aravalli Hills until the Management Plan on Sustainable Mining (MPSM) is finalized.
   • Established a uniform definition of the Aravalli Hills: landforms at 100 meters or more above local relief.

2. Government Actions:

   • The Union Environment Ministry communicated with the state governments of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat, reiterating compliance with the Supreme Court’s orders.
   • The Ministry instructed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to consider the entire Aravalli landscape when preparing the MPSM, identifying zones where mining should be prohibited in addition to already restricted areas.

3. Environmental Protection Measures:

   • The letter underscored the importance of compliance with environmental safeguards in operational mines.
   • Emphasized stringent regulation of ongoing mining activities to ensure they adhere to sustainable practices and Supreme Court regulations.

4. MPSM Objectives:

   • The MPSM will delineate areas:
     • Permissible for mining.
     • Ecologically sensitive and conservation-critical areas where mining will be strictly prohibited or allowed only under exceptional circumstances.
   • The plan is modeled on the ICFRE's work for the Saranda forests in Jharkhand related to iron ore mining.

5. Expected Outcomes:

   • Protecting the ecological balance of the Aravalli range.
   • Ensuring sustainable mining practices that consider environmental impacts and conservation.

6. Judicial Rulings Context:

   • The Supreme Court's involvement underscores the judiciary's role in environmental governance and the protection of natural resources as per constitutional mandates.
   • This case reflects Article 21 (Right to Life) and Article 48A (Protection and Improvement of Environment and Safeguarding of Forests and Wildlife) of the Constitution of India.

7. Significance:

   • The Aravalli range is critical for biodiversity and as a natural barrier.
   • These measures reflect growing environmental awareness and legal frameworks aimed at safeguarding natural ecosystems amid industrial pressures.

This concise framework outlines ongoing efforts in preserving the Aravalli Hills while adhering to judicial directives that promote sustainable environmental practices.