The Supreme Court on Monday kept on hold the part of its November 20 verdict that accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges that was suggested by a committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
A bench, which was led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices J. K. Maheshwari and Augustine Masih, reportedly suggested a high-powered committee, which will consist of the domain experts who will take the holistic examination of the issues.
Speaking on the order, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said in a post on X “I welcome the Supreme Court directions introducing a stay on its order concerning the Aravalli range and the formation of a new committee to study issues. We stand committed to extending all assistance sought from MOEFCC in the protection and restoration of the Aravalli range. As things stand, a complete ban on mining stays with regard to new mining leases or renewal of old mining leases.”
“Ever since this issue concerning the Aravalli Hills arose, we have consistently maintained that it should not be politicized. We are very pleased that the Supreme Court has granted a stay today, and we welcome this decision,” former Rajasthan Chief Minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot said.
“Congress welcomes the Supreme Court’s order. The Modi government attempted to change the definition of the Aravallis, which is a highly sensitive ecological region. The apex court has put the order in abeyance and directed the formation of a high-level committee to establish the facts. We also seek the resignation of the Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, who consistently defended the new definition of the Aravallis, a move opposed by all,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said while talking to ANI.
“The matter of Aravalli hills is a classic example of Congress creating an issue out of a non-issue; the court’s statements were appropriated in an attempt to make a mark in politics under the garb of saving Aravalli. But as soon as a clarification notice was issued, everything got cleared,” Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said while talking to PTI.
“The stay order from the Hon’ble Supreme Court for the Aravalli Range is a huge but temporary relief. It’s important to seal this permanently. This wasn’t possible without the mass movement of citizens in Rajasthan, who showed that what matters is our planet, not the dirty intentions of those wanting to exploit the planet,” Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray Aaditya Thackeray said on X.
