<h4>Supreme Court's Landmark Rulings on the Aravallis</h4><p>The <strong>Supreme Court of India</strong> has consistently intervened to protect the ecologically sensitive <strong>Aravalli Range</strong>. These interventions underscore the judiciary's crucial role in environmental governance.</p><p>The rulings and notifications aim to curb illegal activities and preserve the vital ecological services provided by this ancient mountain range.</p><h4>2018 Ruling: Ban on Illegal Construction</h4><p>In <strong>2018</strong>, the <strong>Supreme Court</strong> issued a significant ruling banning all <strong>illegal construction activities</strong> within the <strong>Aravalli range</strong> in <strong>Haryana</strong>.</p><p>This judgment specifically directed the demolition of the controversial <strong>Kant Enclave</strong>, an unauthorized residential complex. The court also mandated reimbursement to the investors affected by this illegal development.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Case Highlight:</strong> The <strong>Kant Enclave</strong> demolition order served as a strong deterrent against encroachment on ecologically fragile lands.</p></div><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Insight:</strong> This ruling is crucial for questions on environmental jurisprudence, judicial activism, and sustainable development in <strong>GS Paper III (Environment)</strong>.</p></div><h4>The Precautionary Principle (1996)</h4><p>The foundation for many environmental judgments, including those concerning the <strong>Aravallis</strong>, lies in the <strong>Precautionary Principle</strong>. This principle was established by the <strong>Supreme Court</strong> in <strong>1996</strong>.</p><p>It states that governments must anticipate and prevent environmental degradation without waiting for conclusive scientific evidence of harm. This proactive approach is vital for safeguarding natural resources.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p><strong>Key Principle:</strong> The <strong>Precautionary Principle</strong> shifts the burden of proof to those proposing potentially harmful activities, requiring them to demonstrate no significant environmental damage.</p></div><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Landmark Case:</strong> The <strong>Precautionary Principle</strong> was articulated in the case of <strong>Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v Union of India (1996)</strong>.</p></div><h4>National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Precautionary Principle</h4><p>The <strong>National Green Tribunal (NGT)</strong>, established in <strong>2010</strong>, plays a pivotal role in environmental justice. The <strong>NGT</strong> has explicitly adopted the <strong>Precautionary Principle</strong> for its environmental decisions.</p><p>This adoption is enshrined under <strong>Section 20</strong> of the <strong>National Green Tribunal Act, 2010</strong>, reinforcing its application in India's environmental legal framework.</p><h4>MoEFCC Notification of 1992</h4><p>Even before many judicial interventions, the <strong>Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)</strong> issued a significant notification in <strong>1992</strong>.</p><p>This notification imposed strict prohibitions on various activities in the <strong>Aravalli range</strong>. It aimed to regulate development and protect the ecological integrity of the region.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Prohibited Activities (without prior MoEFCC permission):</strong></p><ul><li>Establishment of <strong>new industries</strong></li><li>Undertaking <strong>mining activities</strong></li><li>Engaging in <strong>deforestation</strong></li><li>Initiating <strong>construction projects</strong></li></ul></div><h4>Government Initiatives for Aravalli Protection</h4><p>Beyond judicial rulings, the government has implemented several measures to protect the <strong>Aravallis</strong> and address related environmental challenges.</p><p>These initiatives reflect a multi-pronged approach to environmental conservation and sustainable management.</p><h4>Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)</h4><p>To tackle the severe air pollution menace in the region, the <strong>Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)</strong> was created for the <strong>National Capital Region (NCR)</strong> and adjoining areas.</p><p>While not exclusively for Aravallis, its mandate impacts the air quality in and around the range, which is crucial for overall ecological health.</p><h4>Aravalli Rejuvenation Board</h4><p>Addressing the pressing issue of <strong>illegal mining</strong> in the <strong>Aravallis</strong>, a dedicated body, the <strong>Aravalli Rejuvenation Board</strong>, has been established.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Board Details:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Composition:</strong> Seven members</li><li><strong>Location:</strong> Gurugram</li><li><strong>Mandate:</strong> To combat illegal mining and facilitate the rejuvenation of the Aravalli ecosystem.</li></ul></div>