TNI Bureau: The Supreme Court stayed its November 20 order that had approved a uniform definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges. The court decided to keep the order in abeyance following strong concerns raised by environmentalists and opposition parties over the possible impact on the fragile Aravalli ecosystem.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed the constitution of a new expert committee to re-examine issues related to the definition of the Aravallis. The court also issued notices to the Centre and the four Aravalli states—Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Delhi—seeking their responses in the suo motu case.

In its earlier order, the Supreme Court had accepted the recommendations of a committee set up by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). Based on these recommendations, the court had approved a scientific and uniform definition of the Aravalli Hills and imposed a ban on granting fresh mining leases in Aravalli areas across the four states until expert reports were finalised.

The MoEF&CC committee had defined an “Aravalli Hill” as any landform located in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above the local terrain. It further stated that the entire landform, including supporting slopes and associated features within the lowest contour line, would be considered part of the Aravalli Hills.

An “Aravalli Range” was defined as a group of two or more Aravalli Hills situated within 500 metres of each other. The committee clarified that the land between such hills, along with related features such as hillocks and slopes, would also form part of the Aravalli Range.

The Supreme Court’s November 20 order was part of a 29-page judgment delivered in a suo motu case linked to long-standing environmental proceedings in the T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad matter. The court has now decided to review the issue further to ensure stronger environmental protection for one of the world’s oldest mountain systems.