🌑Knowledge Drop – 75: Supreme Court and Aravalli Hills (2025): Boundaries, Mining Regulation and Green Wall Initiative
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Supreme Court and Aravalli Hills (2025): Boundaries, Mining Regulation and Green Wall Initiative
Post Date: 28-12-2025
Syllabus: GS-3 | 🌱 Environment
Context ⚖️
The Supreme Court of India, in a recent order, settled on a uniform definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges and paused fresh mining leases across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
Significance of the Aravalli Range 🌄
- Oldest mountain range in India
- Extends about 692 km (430 miles) in a north-eastern direction
- Traverses:
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- Haryana
- Delhi (terminal point)
- Rajasthan accounts for nearly two-thirds of the range
Ecological Importance 🌍
- Acts as a natural barrier preventing eastward expansion of the Thar Desert
- Protects:
- Haryana
- Rajasthan
- Western Uttar Pradesh
- Supports groundwater recharge systems
- Source of rivers:
- Sabarmati
- Luni
Mineral Wealth ⛏️
The Aravalli region is rich in:
- Sandstone
- Limestone
- Marble
- Granite
- Lead
- Zinc
- Copper
- Gold
- Tungsten
➡️ This mineral richness has led to intensive mining pressure.
Supreme Court Actions on Mining 🚫
- May 2024:
- Prohibited grant and renewal of mining leases across the Aravalli range
- Directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct a detailed review
Key Recommendations of CEC (2024) 📑
- Absolute prohibition of mining in:
- Protected habitats
- Water bodies
- Tiger corridors
- Aquifer recharge zones
- National Capital Region (NCR)
- Strict regulation of stone-crushing units
- Moratorium on new leases and renewals until:
- Mapping is completed
- Environmental impact assessments are conducted
- Adoption of a uniform definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges
New Definition of the Aravalli Hills 🗺️
- Any landform with an elevation of 100 metres or more above local relief
- Includes:
- Hills
- Slopes
- Adjacent land
⚠️ Implication:
By this definition, nearly 90% of the Aravalli Hills may no longer qualify as “Aravalli”.
Concerns Raised ❗
- Ministry’s list of 34 Aravalli districts across four states excluded several districts with an established Aravalli presence
- Potential dilution of environmental protection coverage
Aravalli Green Wall Initiative 🌳
- Launched in 2025 by the Union Government
- Objective:
- Expand green cover in a 5-kilometre buffer around the Aravalli range
- Coverage:
- 29 districts across:
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- Haryana
- Delhi
- 29 districts across:
- Target:
- Restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030
- Strengthen resilience against desertification
Way Ahead 🔭
- The Supreme Court has asked the Ministry to:
- Develop a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining
- Seek technical support from the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)
- Plan to be prepared under the new 100-metre definition of the Aravalli Hills
IASGenius Prelims Takeaway 🧠
The SC’s Aravalli order reflects the tension between environmental protection, mining regulation, and definitional boundaries.
Target IAS-2026+: Highly Expected Prelims MCQs :
📌 Prelims Practice MCQs
Topic:
MCQ 1 | TYPE 1 — How Many Statements Are Correct?
Consider the following statements regarding the Aravalli Range:
1)The Aravalli Range is the oldest mountain range in India.
2)It acts as a barrier preventing the westward expansion of the Thar Desert.
3)Rajasthan accounts for nearly two-thirds of the Aravalli Range.
4)The Aravallis are the source of rivers such as the Sabarmati and Luni.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a)Only one
(b)Only two
(c)Only three
(d)All four
🌀 Didn’t get it? Click here (▸) for the Correct Answer & Explanation.
🟩 Correct Answer: (c)Only three
🧠 Explanation:
1)✅True – It is the oldest mountain range in India.
2)❌False – It prevents eastward, not westward, expansion of the Thar Desert.
3)✅True – Rajasthan has nearly two-thirds of the range.
4)✅True – Sabarmati and Luni originate in the Aravallis.
MCQ 2 | TYPE 2 — Two-Statement Type
Consider the following statements:
Statement I:The Supreme Court prohibited the grant and renewal of mining leases across the Aravalli range in 2024.
Statement II:The Supreme Court permanently banned all forms of mining across the entire Aravalli region.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)Only Statement I
(b)Only Statement II
(c)Both Statement I and II
(d)Neither Statement I nor Statement II
🌀 Didn’t get it? Click here (▸) for the Correct Answer & Explanation.
🟩 Correct Answer: (a)Only Statement I
🧠 Explanation:
Statement I:✅True – The Court paused grant and renewal of leases.
Statement II:❌False – It ordered a pause and regulation, not a permanent blanket ban.
MCQ 3 | TYPE 3 — Code-Based Statement Selection
With reference to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), consider the following statements:
1)CEC recommended absolute prohibition of mining in ecologically sensitive zones.
2)CEC suggested strict regulation of stone-crushing units.
3)CEC recommended immediate resumption of new mining leases after mapping.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1 only
(d)1,2 and 3
🌀 Didn’t get it? Click here (▸) for the Correct Answer & Explanation.
🟩 Correct Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
🧠 Explanation:
1)✅True – Mining ban in sensitive zones was recommended.
2)✅True – Stone crushers to be strictly regulated.
3)❌False – A moratorium was recommended until mapping and assessments.
MCQ 4 | TYPE 4 — Direct Factual Question
According to the Supreme Court’s new definition, which of the following qualifies as part of the Aravalli Hills?
(a)Any landform above 50 m above sea level
(b)Any landform above 100 m above local relief
(c)Only forested hill slopes
(d)Only notified protected areas
🌀 Didn’t get it? Click here (▸) for the Correct Answer & Explanation.
🟩 Correct Answer: (b)Any landform above 100 m above local relief
🧠 Explanation:
The Court adopted a uniform definition based on elevation relative to local relief.
MCQ 5 | TYPE 5 — UPSC 2025 Linkage Reasoning Format (I, II, III)
Consider the following statements:
Statement I:The Supreme Court’s Aravalli order aims to balance environmental protection with mining regulation.
Statement II:Unregulated mining in the Aravalli region threatens aquifer recharge, biodiversity, and desertification control.
Statement III:A uniform definition of the Aravalli Hills is necessary for consistent environmental governance.
Which one of the following is correct?
A)Both Statements II and III are correct and both explain Statement I
B)Both Statements II and III are correct but only one explains Statement I
C)Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
D)Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
🌀 Didn’t get it? Click here (▸) for the Correct Answer & Explanation.
🟩 Correct Answer: A)Both Statements II and III are correct and both explain Statement I
🧠 Explanation:
Statement I reflects the Court’s balancing approach.
Statement II explains ecological risks from mining.
Statement III explains the governance need for a uniform definition.
Both statements logically explain Statement I.
🧠 IASGenius Prelims Whisper
In environmental governance, definitions often decide protection.
📘 Knowledge Drop-75 | Prelims Booster Notes (1-Page)
Theme: Supreme Court and Aravalli Hills (2025)
GS-3 | Environment
Why in News?
The Supreme Court of India settled a uniform definition of the Aravalli Hills and paused fresh mining leases across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
Aravalli Range: Key Facts 🌄
- Oldest mountain range in India
- Length: ~692 km (430 miles); NE–SW orientation
- States traversed: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, terminating in Delhi
- Rajasthan hosts nearly two-thirds of the range
Ecological Significance 🌍
- Barrier against eastward expansion of the Thar Desert
- Protects Haryana, Rajasthan, western Uttar Pradesh
- Supports groundwater recharge
- Source of rivers: Sabarmati, Luni
Mineral Endowment ⛏️
Sandstone, limestone, marble, granite, lead, zinc, copper, gold, tungsten
➡️ Mineral richness has driven intensive mining pressure.
Judicial Actions on Mining ⚖️
- May 2024: Ban on grant and renewal of mining leases
- Direction to Central Empowered Committee (CEC) for detailed review
CEC (2024) Recommendations
- Absolute prohibition in ecologically sensitive zones:
- Protected habitats, water bodies
- Tiger corridors, aquifer recharge areas
- NCR
- Strict regulation of stone-crushing units
- Moratorium until mapping & EIAs are completed
- Adoption of a uniform definition of Aravalli Hills
New Definition of Aravalli Hills 🗺️
- Any landform ≥100 m above local relief
- Includes slopes and adjacent land
Implication:
- Up to ~90% of existing Aravalli areas may not qualify under the new definition
Concern:
- Ministry’s list of 34 Aravalli districts omitted several areas with established Aravalli presence
Aravalli Green Wall Initiative 🌳
- Launched 2025
- 5-km buffer green cover around the range
- 29 districts across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi
- Target: Restore 26 million hectares by 2030
- Aim: Combat desertification, boost ecological resilience
Way Ahead 🔭
- Court asked the Ministry to prepare a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining
- Technical support from Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)
- Plan to operate under the new 100-m definition
Prelims Traps ⚠️
- ❌ Aravallis stop westward desert expansion
- ❌ Permanent blanket mining ban ordered
- ❌ Definition based on sea level (it’s local relief)
- ❌ Green Wall limited to Rajasthan only
One-Line Takeaway
Aravalli governance hinges on definitions, mapping, and regulated mining to protect ecology while managing resources.
⚡ Knowledge Drop-75 | 20-Word Flash Facts (Prelims)
1)Aravalli Range is the oldest mountain range in India.
2)Aravallis extend about 692 km across western India.
3)Rajasthan hosts nearly two-thirds of the Aravalli Range.
4)Aravallis prevent eastward expansion of the Thar Desert.
5)Sabarmati and Luni originate in the Aravallis.
6)Aravalli region is rich in lead and zinc minerals.
7)Supreme Court paused grant and renewal of mining leases in 2024.
8)CEC reviewed mining impacts across the Aravalli region.
9)CEC recommended absolute mining prohibition in sensitive zones.
10)Stone-crushing units face strict regulation.
11)New Aravalli definition uses 100 m above local relief.
12)Up to 90% areas may fall outside the new definition.
13)Several districts were excluded from the ministry’s Aravalli list.
14)Aravalli Green Wall launched in 2025.
15)Green Wall covers 29 districts across four regions.
16)Green Wall creates a 5-km buffer around the range.
17)Target is 26 million hectares restoration by 2030.
18)Project aims to combat desertification.
19)ICFRE will assist in sustainable mining planning.
20)Uniform definitions aid consistent environmental governance.
🧠 IASGenius Prelims Whisper
In environmental law, a single definition can redraw the map of protection.