Supreme Court Stays November 20 Order on Aravalli Hills, Calls for Expert Review

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed its own November 20 judgement that had introduced a new definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges, imposing restrictions on fresh mining leases in ecologically sensitive areas across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The order suspending the previous directions was passed by a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih.

Notices Issued to Central and State Governments

The apex court has issued notices to the Central government and the four states concerned, seeking their responses before the next hearing scheduled for January 21, 2026. The bench took suo motu cognisance of concerns raised over potential loopholes in the earlier order that could be exploited for unregulated mining in the Aravalli region.

Original November Order and Expert Committee Input

The November 20 order had relied on the recommendations of an expert committee from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). According to the order, an Aravalli hill was defined as any landform in specified Aravalli districts rising at least 100 metres above the local base point, while an Aravalli range was defined as two or more hills located within 500 metres of each other. These definitions had effectively halted new mining leases until a sustainable mining management plan could be prepared.

Need for Clarifications and Environmental Review

Chief Justice Surya Kant highlighted the need for clarification and proposed the formation of a high-powered expert committee to conduct a detailed review. The committee is expected to identify potential omissions in the November order and evaluate the environmental impact of mining activities in the sensitive Aravalli regions.

Political Reactions

The order has sparked political reactions, with the Congress accusing the government of attempting to dilute safeguards against unregulated mining. Congress Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma emphasized that no new measures would be introduced that compromise the ecological integrity of the Aravalli belt.

Aravallis: Crucial for Environment and Biodiversity

The Aravalli Hills remain a critical ecological resource, vital for groundwater recharge, biodiversity, and environmental balance in North India. The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the ongoing debate and regulatory scrutiny aimed at protecting this fragile ecosystem from unsustainable exploitation.