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Aravalli Hills Protection: Supreme Court Orders Expert Panel Formation

The Supreme Court directed the Environment Ministry and other stakeholders to suggest names of domain experts to form a panel for protecting the Aravalli Hills. The decision came amid concerns over environmental degradation, illegal mining, and deforestation in the Aravalli range. The expert committee will study ecological damage and recommend measures for conservation. The issue is important for environmental governance, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development in India.

The Supreme Court in March 2026 asked the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and other authorities to suggest names of experts. These experts will form a committee to study the condition of the Aravalli Hills.

The issue is in news due to increasing environmental damage. Illegal mining, construction, and deforestation are harming the region. The court wants scientific assessment and long-term protection measures.

The Aravalli Hills extend across:

  • Gujarat
  • Rajasthan
  • Haryana
  • Delhi

They are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. They play a key role in preventing desert expansion from the Thar Desert.

Earlier, in 2009, the Supreme Court banned mining in many Aravalli areas. However, violations continued. This led to fresh concerns and legal action.

The expert panel will:

  • Study ecological damage
  • Recommend conservation strategies
  • Suggest regulatory measures

This case highlights the role of the judiciary in environmental governance. It also links to sustainable development and biodiversity protection.

🔑 Key Points

  • Supreme Court ordered expert panel in March 2026
  • Focus on Aravalli conservation
  • MoEFCC involved in panel formation
  • Illegal mining major concern
  • Aravallis prevent desertification
  • Spread across 4 states
  • Oldest fold mountains globally
  • Linked to environmental rights

🧠 Concept Link (Very Important)

  • Article 21 ensures Right to Life including clean environment
  • Sustainable Development balances growth and environment
  • Ecosystem services include soil conservation and climate regulation
  • Desertification is land degradation in arid areas
  • Biodiversity conservation protects species and habitats
  • Judicial activism ensures environmental protection

❓ Practice Questions (MCQ)

1.Aravalli Hills are spread across which states? A) Only Rajasthan
B) Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi
C) Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat
D) Punjab and Haryana

Answer: B

2.Aravalli Hills mainly help in: A) Flood control
B) Desert expansion
C) Preventing desertification
D) River formation

Answer: C

3.Supreme Court mining ban in Aravalli was issued in: A) 2005
B) 2009
C) 2015
D) 2020

Answer: B

4.Which ministry is responsible for environmental protection? A) Ministry of Home Affairs
B) Ministry of Finance
C) MoEFCC
D) Ministry of Agriculture

Answer: C

5.Aravalli range is: A) Young fold mountain
B) Volcanic mountain
C) Old fold mountain
D) Block mountain

Answer: C

📜 Previous Year Question (Similar Type)

1. Which mountain range acts as a barrier to the Thar Desert?

Answer: Aravalli Range

2. Which Article of Constitution is linked to environmental protection?

Answer: Article 21

⚠️ Examiner Trap

Students often confuse Aravalli with Himalayas. Aravalli is the oldest, not the highest mountain range.

🧭 Exam Tip

Focus on geographical features, environmental role, and Supreme Court interventions.

🏷️ Topics Covered

  • Aravalli Hills
  • Supreme Court
  • MoEFCC
  • Desertification
  • Biodiversity
  • Environmental Governance
  • Mining Ban
  • Sustainable Development