New Delhi:
In a major order, the Supreme Court has asked Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat not to grant new mining permits in the Aravallis until further directions are given.
However, in striking a balance between the protection of the environment and the livelihood of the people involved in mining activities, the Court emphasized that its order will in no way be interpreted as a halt to mining already being carried out in the area with valid permits and licenses.
The Haryana government had sought the Supreme Court's approval to start mining in the Aravallis in Gurugram and Faridabad.
A bench of Justices BR Gavai and AS Oka said all states where the Aravalli range lies will be free to consider and process applications and extensions for grant of mining leases but cannot grant final permission without the court's nod.
Pointing out that illegal mining was a major problem in the Aravallis, the bench said different states had different definitions of the Aravalli hills and area.
It said a Central Empowered Committee report had pointed out several illegal mining activities being carried out in the state of Rajasthan and details about the district had also been given.
“We are of the view that the issue relating to mining activities in the Aravalli Hills should be jointly addressed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and by all four states,” the bench said.
'Set up panel'
The court also ordered the setting up of a committee to draw up a uniform definition of the Aravalli Hills and its range. The panel, which has been asked to submit a report within two months, will comprise the secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, forest secretaries of the four states and one representative each from the Forest Survey of India and the Central Authorized Committee.
The bank clarified that ongoing mining operations will remain unaffected and current auction processes will not be interrupted. It said the order will also not apply to sand mining activities in Rajasthan and will be limited to mining in the Aravalli Range.
The bank said many workers relied on mining activities and a ban would affect their livelihoods. The guidelines also aimed to balance development and environmental protection, according to the report.