SC upholds Centre’s Aravali Hills definition, bans new mining leases
NEW DELHI: In a significant ruling to protect the world’s oldest mountain systems, the Supreme Court has adopted a uniform definition for the Aravali Hills and Ranges, prohibiting new mining leases in these areas across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat until expert reports are finalized. On Thursday, Chief Justice B R Gavai, in the court’s ruling, endorsed the recommendations from a committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) aimed at safeguarding the Aravali Hills and Ranges. The term “Aravali Hill” will refer to any elevated landform within designated Aravali districts that stands at least 100 meters…