• UGI USER
  • May 03, 2024
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SC ORDERS HALT TO ILLEGAL MINING IN ARAVALI RANGE

Why in the news?

The Supreme Court mandates a halt to illegal mining in Rajasthan’s Aravalli Range due to ecological concerns and potential climate impact.

source:scribd

About Judicial Directive:

  • SC mandates cessation of illegal mining activities in Rajasthan’s Aravalli range.
  • Justice Gavai questions actions against illegal mining and officials permitting such activities.
  • Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represents Rajasthan before the Special Bench.
  • Amicus curiae advocates for halting fresh mining leases in the region.
  • Rajasthan government’s classification of Aravali Range criticised for excluding shorter hills, termed “problematic” by Justice Oka.
  • Importance of Aravali is highlighted as a natural barrier against dry winds from Afghanistan and Pakistan.
About Aravalli Range :

  • Stretching 350 miles across Rajasthan, northern India.
  • Divided into Sambhar-Sirohi and Sambhar-Khetri ranges.
  • Abundant in natural resources, acts as a barrier to desert expansion.
  • Major rivers like Banas, Luni, Sakhi, and Sabarmati originate from it.
  • Southern region heavily wooded; northern region mostly desolate and sparsely inhabited.

Geological Significance:

  • Oldest fold mountain range in India, eroded stub of ancient mountains.
  • Formed during Precambrian era in Aravalli-Delhi Orogen event.
  • Once much higher, now worn down due to millions of years of weathering.
  • Growth halted due to tectonic plate movements.