What Did the Environment Minister Say About the Supreme Court's Order on the Aravalli Issue?
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Synopsis
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav supports the Supreme Court's recent ruling on the Aravalli issue, reaffirming the NDA government's commitment to preserving the hill range. This decision is seen as a major step in protecting ecological integrity against mining interests.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court stays its order on Aravalli height.
- New committee formation to address environmental concerns.
- Government committed to protecting the Aravalli range.
- Complete ban on new mining leases announced.
- Congress welcomes SC's decision as a victory for conservation.
New Delhi, Dec 29 (NationPress) Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav expressed his support for the Supreme Court's ruling concerning the Aravalli region and reaffirmed that the NDA government is dedicated to preserving this vital hill range.
Following the Supreme Court's three-judge panel decision to suspend its own order regarding the 100-metre height classification of the Aravallis, the Union Minister took to his X account to declare that the government remains committed to the conservation and restoration of the Aravalli hills.
"I welcome the Supreme Court's decision to stay its previous order on the Aravalli range and the establishment of a new committee to evaluate the various issues at hand," he noted, praising the court's initiative to review its ruling and eliminate uncertainties by appointing a new expert committee.
He added that the government is ready to provide all necessary help from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MOEFCC) for the protection and restoration of the Aravalli range.
"Currently, a total ban on mining is in effect regarding new mining leases or the renewal of existing ones," stated Bhupender Yadav in his post.
This statement follows the Centre's recent announcement of a comprehensive ban on mining activities in the Aravalli region, instructing state governments to prohibit the issuance of new mining leases throughout the entire hill range.
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, deliberated on the formation of a new, high-level expert committee to thoroughly evaluate the recommendations from all previous panels concerning the definition of the Aravalli range.
This proposed committee will consider whether regulated mining can be allowed in the 500-metre spaces between hills and, if so, the structural parameters needed to ensure ecological integrity is maintained.
The Congress party also welcomed the Supreme Court's directives on redefining the Aravalli region, describing the verdict as a "flicker of hope," since the previous 100-metre definition would have jeopardized the extensive green cover in Delhi and nearby states, making it vulnerable to exploitation by mining interests.
"This ruling dismisses all the arguments presented by the Minister advocating for the redefinition," remarked party leader and former Union Minister Jairam Ramesh on his X handle.
Point of View
The Supreme Court's decision on the Aravalli range signifies a pivotal moment for environmental conservation in India. While political reactions vary, the overarching goal remains the same: to ensure sustainable development without compromising natural resources. The commitment made by the Environment Minister is a crucial step towards achieving this balance.
NationPress
05/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Supreme Court's ruling on the Aravalli issue?
The Supreme Court has stayed its own order concerning the 100-metre height definition of the Aravallis and proposed forming a new expert committee to assess related issues.
What is the government's stance on mining in the Aravalli region?
The government has announced a complete ban on mining activities, including the issuance of new mining leases in the Aravalli range.
