Supreme Court To Hear Suo Motu Case Today On Aravalli Hills Protection

The Supreme Court will conduct a pivotal suo motu hearing today to address the definition and protection of the Aravalli Hills, an ecologically sensitive mountain range spanning from Delhi to Gujarat.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices JK Maheshwari and AG Masih will hear the case titled ‘In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges and Ancillary Issues’.

The apex court’s intervention comes amid growing apprehension over unregulated mining and environmental degradation, with the government repeatedly assuring steps to safeguard the Aravallis.

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued strict instructions to state governments imposing a complete ban on granting new mining leases across the Aravalli landscape.

The directive aims to preserve the integrity of the continuous geological ridge and prevent further ecological harm caused by illegal mining operations.

Additionally, the MoEFCC has directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to identify additional zones across the range where mining must be banned, supplementing the areas already under restriction.

Officials say these measures will strengthen conservation frameworks and ensure long-term ecological protection.

Political Debate Over Redefinition of Aravalli Hills

The redefinition of the Aravalli Hills has sparked political and environmental debate.

Congress leader and former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh raised concerns in a letter to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, questioning the new classification, which limits the hills to landforms with an elevation of 100 metres or more.

Jairam Ramesh highlighted widespread apprehensions regarding this redefinition and sought clarifications through four pointed questions in his correspondence.

Sharing the letter on social media, he described the recent changes as ‘disastrous’ and urged the government to address ecological and legal implications before formalising the new definition.

The Supreme Court will examine these issues in today’s hearing, including the legal validity of the redefinition, the enforcement of mining bans, and measures to maintain ecological balance.

Environmentalists, policymakers, and residents are closely monitoring proceedings, hoping the court will provide clarity and reinforce protections for the fragile Aravalli ecosystem.

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