Supreme Court Constitutes High-Powered Committee on Aravalli Hills, Invites Public Responses

Why in news

The Supreme Court of India constituted a High-Powered Committee (HPC) to examine matters related to the Aravalli Hills and Ranges. This HPC has now invited representations, suggestions, and inputs from various stakeholders and the public.

Exam relevance

GS2, GS3 · Environment & Ecology, Governance, Polity · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The Supreme Court of India constituted a High-Powered Committee (HPC) through a Suo Motu Writ Petition.
2. The HPC's mandate is to examine matters related to the Aravalli Hills and Ranges, along with ancillary issues.
3. The committee is tasked with submitting a comprehensive report to the apex Court.
4. The HPC has invited representations, suggestions, and inputs from a wide range of stakeholders.
5. Stakeholders include those from NCT of Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, environmentalists, conservationists, not-for-profit organisations, mining lease holders, project proponents, villagers, farmers, mine workers, local communities, and other interested persons/entities.
6. Submissions should ideally be supported by documentary evidence or other verifiable material.

Prelims pointers

• Aravalli Hills and Ranges: geographical spread (NCT of Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat).
• Supreme Court's power of Suo Motu Writ Petition.
• Role of High-Powered Committees in environmental matters.
• Importance of public consultation in policy-making and environmental governance.

Mains practice question

Critically examine the role of judicial activism in environmental protection, with particular reference to the Supreme Court's intervention in safeguarding ecologically sensitive regions like the Aravalli Hills. Discuss the significance of involving diverse stakeholders in such initiatives.

Static linkage

The Aravalli Hills and Ranges are an ancient mountain range in Western India, crucial for the region's ecology, biodiversity, and as a natural barrier against desertification. Judicial intervention in environmental protection, especially concerning ecologically sensitive areas, is a recurring theme in Indian governance.

Significance

The constitution of the HPC by the Supreme Court underscores the judiciary's proactive role in environmental governance and protection of critical ecological zones like the Aravallis. By inviting public responses, it promotes participatory governance and ensures that diverse perspectives, including those of local communities whose livelihoods are linked to the ecosystem, are considered. This initiative aims to address the degradation of the Aravalli range and ensure its sustainable management, impacting regional biodiversity, water security, and the well-being of millions.

Way forward

Not specified in source