The Aravalli Hills have recently been the subject of a directive from the Supreme Court, instructing the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct a comprehensive examination of the environmental impact of mining activities in the region.
About the Aravalli Hills Range:
- The Aravalli Range is a folded mountain system spanning north-west Indian states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Union territory of Delhi.
- It stretches from the south-west and north-east direction with peaks ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 feet, and stands as the world’s oldest hill system.
- The hills are divided into Sambhar-Sirohi (taller) and Sambhar-Khetri (discontinuous) ranges.
- Guru Peak on Mount Abu stands as its highest point at 5,650 feet.
Significance:
- The region is rich in natural resources, heavily forested in the south, and comprises large sand areas with rose-colored quartzite masses.
- It is the main water divide between the North Indian drainage system, affecting the well-drained western region and more fertile but intermittently affected eastern part.
- The Hills impact ecological equilibrium in 29.92% of Rajasthan directly and influence a larger area through climate and hydrological changes in an indirect manner.
- It checks the western desert’s growth and is a source for rivers like Banas, Luni, Sakhi, and Sabarmati.
About the Central Empowered Committee (CEC):
- CEC is a permanent body formed by Order of the Supreme Court (SC) in 2002, based on the ruling of T.N. Godavarman Thirumalpad Vs India, 1997 case.
- It was constituted at the national level, for monitoring of implementation of the SC’s orders.
- Structure: Chairman, member secretary, and three expert members, who are civil servants appointed by the Union Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Powers and Functions of CEC:
- Monitoring Implementation: It is tasked with monitoring the implementation of the court’s orders and reports to the court and government in case of non-compliance.
- Interlocutory Applications: It examines pending Interlocutory Applications related to Writ petitions referred to it by the court and reviews reports and affidavits filed by states.
- Aggrieved Persons: The committee is empowered to address applications made by any aggrieved person.
- Authority to Gather Information: It is authorized to call for documents from individuals, government entities (Union or State), or any other officials.
- Inspections: It can undertake site inspections of forest areas, seek assistance or presence of relevant individuals, and co-opt additional members or special invitees for specific issues.
- Advisory role: It can advise on any issues referred to it by the court or concerning encroachment removals, working plans, compensatory afforestation, plantations, etc.
Ref: Source
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