SC takes note of Aravalli Hills issue, bench to hear matter on Monday

New Delhi: The Supreme Court will hear the matter related to mining in the Aravalli Hills on Monday. A three-judge bench headed by the Chief Justice will take up the suo motu case. Former forest conservation officer R P Balwan has also filed a petition before the apex court in connection with the issue.

The Supreme Court’s decision to take suo motu cognisance has raised hopes among environmental activists and those concerned about the November 20 verdict, with expectations of a positive shift in the court’s stance on the matter.

The hearing comes amid fresh directions issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, which on Wednesday ordered all concerned states to impose a complete ban on the grant of any new mining leases across the Aravalli range, stretching from Delhi to Gujarat.

The ministry said the prohibition would apply uniformly across the entire Aravalli landscape and was aimed at preserving the integrity of the ancient geological formation by curbing illegal and unregulated mining. (IT)