Supreme Court on Aravalli Hills Redefinition

Judicial Rulings and Constitutional References:

1. Supreme Court's Suo Motu Cognisance:

   • On December 27, 2025, the Supreme Court initiated sua sponte action regarding the redefinition of the Aravalli Hills.
   • Hearing scheduled for December 29, 2025.
   • Chief Justice Surya Kant heads the three-judge Special Vacation Bench.

2. Judgment on Aravalli Hills Definition:

   • In November, the Supreme Court accepted recommendations from a committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
   • Defined Aravalli Hills as landforms with elevations of 100 meters or more above local relief.
   • The Aravalli Range comprises two or more such hills located within 500 meters of each other.

3. Environmental Protection:

   • The court recognized Aravalli Hills as a "green barrier" against the eastward spread of the Thar desert.
   • Recommended sustainable mining practices and restrictions on illegal mining activities.

4. Directives Issued:

   • Authorities directed to identify:
     • Permissible mining areas.
     • Conservation-critical and ecologically sensitive areas where mining is prohibited.
   • No new mining leases to be granted until the Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) is finalized by the Ministry of Environment.

Government Schemes and Policies:

1. Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM):
   • Developed under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
   • Involves the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).
   • Aims to balance mining activities with environmental conservation and sustainability efforts.

Environmental and Economic Indicators:

1. Importance of the Aravalli Range:
   • Serves as a critical environmental buffer to combat desertification.
   • Highlighting the significance of ecological sustenance amidst development pressures.

By consolidating these findings, it is clear that the Supreme Court is taking proactive measures to ensure sustainable development practices in the Aravalli region, aligning judicial definitions with environmental conservation and mining regulations.