Supreme Court of India on Definition and Conservation of Aravali Hills and Ranges.

Headnote:

The Supreme Court of India addressed the definition of Aravali Hills and Ranges and emphasized the need for their ecological conservation. The Court accepted the recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) regarding: (i) operational definition of Aravali Hills and Ranges; (ii) prohibition of mining in core/inviolate areas; (iii) sustainable mining practices; and (iv) prevention of illegal mining. The Court directed the preparation of a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) through ICFRE to scientifically identify permissible mining areas while maintaining the ecological integrity and continuity of the Aravali ecosystem. Until the MPSM is finalized, no new mining leases shall be granted, and existing mining shall comply strictly with Committee recommendations.

Background:

1. The Aravali Range spans Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, is one of India’s oldest fold mountains, and is ecologically critical, preventing desertification and sustaining biodiversity.
2. The Court was seized of the issue in the context of T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India and M.C. Mehta v. Union of India regarding mining activities in Aravali Hills and Ranges.
3. Mining in these areas had been contentious due to differing definitions adopted by various States and the environmental impact of unregulated extraction.
4. The CEC submitted Report No.3 of 2024, recommending mapping, environmental assessment, suspension of new mining leases until assessment, prohibition in sensitive areas, and improved regulatory mechanisms including ILMS and cluster-based crushers.

Court’s Observations:

1. The Forest Survey of India (FSI) had defined Aravali Hills based on slope (>3°), foothill buffer (100 m), valley width, and area enclosed by the hills.
2. The Committee, however, proposed a definition that could open up areas below 100 m for mining, potentially endangering ecological continuity.
3. The Court emphasized that mining should be permitted only in sustainable and scientifically justified scenarios, with strict protection of core/inviolate areas.
4. The Court referenced the Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) model used in Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary, noting its effectiveness in zoning areas for conservation versus controlled mining.

Key Directions/Orders:

1. Accept the Committee and MoEF&CC recommendations regarding the definition of Aravali Hills and Ranges.
2. Prohibit mining in core/inviolate areas except for critical, strategic, or atomic minerals.
3. Implement measures to prevent illegal mining and allow only sustainable mining practices.
4. MoEF&CC shall prepare a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) via ICFRE for the entire Aravali range, including:
5. Identification of permissible mining areas, ecologically sensitive and restoration priority zones.
6. Analysis of cumulative environmental impacts and ecological carrying capacity.
7. Detailed post-mining restoration and rehabilitation measures.
8. Until MPSM is finalized, no new mining leases shall be granted.
9. Existing mining operations shall comply strictly with Committee recommendations.

Legal Provisions Discussed:

1. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
2. Wetlands (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017
3. Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
4. Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957
5. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

Significance

1. Provides a uniform operational definition of Aravali Hills and Ranges for mining regulation.
2. Ensures ecological protection while allowing sustainable mining in scientifically identified areas.
3. Balances environmental preservation with socio-economic interests of laborers dependent on mining.
4. Mandates a geo-referenced Management Plan (MPSM) before permitting further mining.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court recognized the ecological importance of the Aravali Hills and Ranges and mandated sustainable, scientifically guided mining practices. The Court stressed conservation of biodiversity, groundwater, and forest ecosystems while preventing desertification and ensuring compliance with national and international environmental obligations.

Citation: 2025 INSC 1338

Case: In Re: Issue Relating to Definition of Aravali Hills and Ranges (I.A. No.105701 of 2024, CEC Report No. 03 of 2024) in W.P. (C) No.202 of 1995 – T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India & Ors.

Court: Supreme Court of India

Date of Decision: 20 November 2025