A recent Supreme Court order endorsing a broad definition of the Aravalli range has ignited a fresh wave of controversy, centering on a contentious state law and raising alarms among environmentalists. The court's move, aimed at bolstering protection for the ecologically fragile region, has paradoxically drawn attention to legislative loopholes that could potentially undermine conservation efforts.
The Supreme Court's Landmark Endorsement
In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has approved the definition of the Aravalli range as proposed by the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB). This definition classifies the Aravallis not just as hills and ridges but expansively includes the Natural Conservation Zone (NCZ). The NCZ encompasses a wide array of environmentally sensitive landscapes such as forests, rivers, water bodies, and regional parks.
The bench, comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and Sandeep Mehta, emphasized that this definition must be applied across the entire National Capital Region. This ruling is seen as a major victory for environmental conservation, aiming to halt the rampant illegal mining and unchecked construction that have plagued the ancient mountain range for decades. The court directed states, particularly Haryana, to use satellite imagery and ground surveys to identify and protect all areas falling under this definition.
The 'G Ram G' Law: A Legislative Flashpoint
Simultaneously, the court's proceedings have cast a harsh spotlight on a controversial piece of legislation passed by the Haryana assembly. Known colloquially as the 'G Ram G' law, its formal title is the Punjab Land Preservation (Haryana Amendment) Act, 2019.
This state amendment significantly diluted the original 1900 Act, which was designed to protect forested land and prevent soil erosion. The 2019 amendment removed large swathes of land from protected status, opening them up for real estate and commercial development. Environmentalists argue that this law directly contradicts the spirit of the Supreme Court's order and the purpose of the NCZ.
The law is named after its proponent, former Haryana minister G. Ram. Gopal. Critics contend that it was enacted with the primary intent of facilitating construction projects in areas that were previously off-limits, posing a severe threat to the Aravalli ecosystem.
Ecological Risks and Legal Contradictions
The juxtaposition of the Supreme Court's protective stance and the state's permissive law has created a complex legal and environmental quagmire. Experts warn that the 'G Ram G' law could serve as a tool to circumvent the Supreme Court's broader definition of the Aravallis.
If land is denotified from protection under the state law, it may no longer be classified as part of the NCZ, despite meeting the ecological criteria upheld by the Supreme Court. This creates a dangerous loophole where deforestation and construction could proceed legally under state law while violating the intent of the national court's order.
The potential consequences are dire: increased air pollution in the NCR due to loss of green cover, irreversible damage to groundwater recharge zones, destruction of wildlife corridors, and heightened vulnerability to desertification.
The Road Ahead: Enforcement and Conflict
The Supreme Court has demanded strict compliance from state authorities, ordering them to act against illegal construction and mining immediately. However, the existence of the state amendment presents a formidable challenge to uniform enforcement.
The controversy underscores a classic conflict between state-level development agendas and national environmental priorities. The coming months will be crucial in observing how Haryana and other NCR states reconcile the Supreme Court's directive with their own legislation. Environmental groups are likely to mount legal challenges against the 'G Ram G' law, setting the stage for a protracted legal battle that will determine the future of one of North India's most critical ecological shields.
In conclusion, while the Supreme Court's approval of a comprehensive Aravalli definition is a landmark step, the shadow of the contentious Haryana law looms large. The true test will lie in the on-ground implementation and whether the broader definition can withstand the pressure from state-level laws that prioritize urbanization over conservation. The health of the Aravallis, and by extension the National Capital Region, hangs in the balance.
