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Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

Supreme Court reserves verdict on defining Aravalli Hills and Ranges

Prelims OnlySC Judgements | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on the definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges, a critical environmental issue impacting Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

About the Aravallis:

  • Geology: The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, formed during the Proterozoic era.
  • Spread: It stretches for about 692 km, from Gujarat to Delhi, passing through Rajasthan and Haryana.
  • State-Wise Coverage: Around 80% of the range lies in Rajasthan, with the rest spread across Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat.
  • Highest Peak: The tallest point is Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, with an elevation of 1,722 meters.
  • Natural Barrier Function: Acts as a green wall, preventing the spread of the Thar Desert into eastern Rajasthan and the Gangetic plains.
  • River Origins: Important rivers such as the Banas, Sahibi and Luni originate from the Aravallis.
  • Minerals: Rich in minerals like copper, zinc, lead, and marble.
  • Biodiversity: Home to 300+ bird species and key wildlife such as leopards, hyenas, jackals, wolves, civets, and Nilgai.
  • Prehistoric Significance: Contains cave art and tools from the Lower Palaeolithic period.

About the Aravalli Case: Quick Backgrounder

  • Supreme Court Review: The Court is deciding on a uniform, legally enforceable definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
  • Case Origin: Stems from the long-running M.C. Mehta vs Union of India (2008) matter on illegal mining, encroachment, and ecological degradation in the Aravallis.
  • Judgment: The Court held Aravalli lands to be forest areas under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, restricting non-forest activities.
  • Existing Legal Protection: Notifications under the Punjab Land Preservation Act, 1900 were upheld for safeguarding ecologically sensitive land.
  • Expert Committee (2024): SC directed MoEF&CC to set up a panel to develop a scientific definition for consistent protection across states.

Proposed Legal Definitions of Aravalli Hills and Ranges

  • Purpose: Ensures clear identification to regulate mining, prevent encroachment, and protect biodiversity.
    • Aravalli Hill: A landform with minimum 100 m elevation above local relief, measured from the lowest encircling contour, including slopes and ridges.
    • Aravalli Range: Formed when two or more Aravalli Hills lie within 500 metres of each other, covering hillocks, slopes, and valleys.
[UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements: 

1. Amarkantak Hills are at the confluence of Vindhya and Sahyadri Ranges. 

2. Biligirirangan Hills constitute the easternmost part of Satpura Range. 

3. Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part of Western Ghats 

How many of the statements given above are correct? 

Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None*

https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_delhi/issues/156183/OPS/G34F5K38F.1+G34F5K65Q.1.html 

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