The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to put in abeyance its November 20 order that had accepted the Centre’s definition of the Aravalli Hills and the Aravalli Range, and reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting and restoring the ecologically sensitive mountain system.
In a post on X, Yadav said he supported the apex court’s directions, including the decision to constitute a fresh expert committee. “I welcome the Supreme Court’s directions staying its order concerning the Aravalli range and the formation of a new committee to study the issues. We stand committed to extending all assistance sought from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for the protection and restoration of the Aravalli range,” he said.
The minister also clarified that the ban on mining continues to remain in force. “As things stand, a complete ban on mining remains in place with regard to the grant of new mining leases or the renewal of old mining leases,” he added.
Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision. Reacting to the development, Gehlot said the stay reflected public sentiment across the region. “We are very happy that the Supreme Court has granted a stay today. People across all four states—and across the country—have come out on the streets, raised their voices in the media, and protested in different ways. We hope the government now understands what the public wants,” he said.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had put in abeyance its November 20 ruling that accepted the Central Environment Ministry’s definition of the Aravalli range. The earlier order had sparked concern that large portions of the Aravallis could become vulnerable to regulated mining.
A vacation bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.G. Masih also directed the formation of a new expert committee to examine unresolved issues related to the definition of the Aravallis.
The apex court has further issued notices to the Centre and the four Aravalli states—Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, and Haryana—seeking their responses in the suo motu case concerning the matter.
