Home / Environment / Supreme Court Committee Hears Alarming Reports on Aravalli Mining
Supreme Court Committee Hears Alarming Reports on Aravalli Mining
29 Oct
Summary
- Villagers reported mining damage, groundwater depletion, and home destruction.
- A Supreme Court committee is assessing the Aravalli hills' definition.
- Concerns raised over auctioning protected forest land for mining.
A Supreme Court-appointed committee is investigating the definition and demarcation of the Aravalli hills and ranges. During recent visits to villages in Charkhi Dadri and Mahendergarh, residents voiced serious concerns about the detrimental effects of mining activities. They reported significant ecological damage, depletion of groundwater resources, and even structural damage to their homes. Allegations also surfaced regarding the auction of land designated as protected forest for mining operations.
The committee, established on May 25, 2026, and with its report deadline extended to November 30, 2026, is assessing a proposed definition of the Aravallis. This definition, which includes a 100-metre height threshold for hills and a 500-metre proximity criterion for ranges, is under scrutiny as it might exclude ecologically connected areas. Villagers specifically sought action against mining operations violating environmental norms, restoration of mined-out areas, and a thorough investigation into the auction of protected forest land.
Concerns were also raised about mining exceeding lease boundaries, overloaded vehicles, and threats to those who reported violations. In one instance, villagers questioned the legality of auctioning protected forest land for stone crushing on the same day it was notified. The committee's findings will be crucial for the Supreme Court's decision on protecting the Aravallis and regulating mining in the region.
