Supreme Court Directive on Aravalis Sustainable Mining
The Supreme Court of India has issued a directive to the Centre to create a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) specifically for the Aravalis, a continuous geological ridge stretching from Gujarat to Delhi.
- The directive was issued by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and N V Anjaria.
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is tasked with preparing the MPSM through the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).
Objectives of the MPSM
- To conduct a geo-referenced ecological assessment of the Aravalis.
- Identify areas with wildlife and high eco-sensitivity that require conservation.
- Provide guidelines for conducting sustainable mining activities.
Restrictions and Considerations
- No new mining licenses will be granted in the Aravalis until the MPSM is finalized.
- Experts must examine the protection needs of conservation areas before permitting further mining activities.
- The plan must designate:
- Permissible areas for mining.
- Ecologically sensitive and conservation-critical areas where mining is prohibited.
- Restoration-priority areas where mining is allowed only under exceptional and scientifically justified circumstances.
