Amid escalating concerns over Aravali’s despoliation, the Supreme Court has issued a blanket order maintaining the prevailing state and prohibiting all illicit mining forthwith. The directive from CJI Suryakant-led bench targets systemic failures by state administrations.
Wednesday’s session spotlighted defiance of the 2024 Justice Oka verdict, with Rajasthan advocate Raju Ramchandran detailing ongoing lease grants and deforestation. The court, deeming it outright criminality, insisted on rigorous enforcement to avert irreversible damage.
A pivotal announcement was the creation of an expert-driven committee, court-supervised, featuring professionals to assess and advise on Aravali preservation. ‘This panel will work under our explicit directions,’ affirmed the Chief Justice.
Urging bureaucratic activation, the bench sought nominations of environmentalists, scientists, and mining specialists from all sides. It segregated probes into forest versus Aravali delineations for focused resolution. Amicus K. Parameshwar was allotted four weeks for an exhaustive note on definitions.
This follows the court’s earlier pause on its hill perimeter revision orders. The comprehensive strategy reflects deepening judicial resolve to defend Aravali as a bulwark against desertification and climate vulnerability.