​Green washing, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court prohibited fresh mining leases in the Aravalli region on November 20, pending a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM).
• Rampant mining, quarrying, and deforestation have led to groundwater depletion, ecological damage, and worsened air quality in Delhi and Haryana.
• The court acknowledged the conflict of interest for states in banning mining due to its revenue source, despite limited enforcement capacity.
• An expert committee proposed considering only mountains 100 meters or higher as part of the Aravalli range, potentially excluding 92% of the hills.

Detailed Insights:

• The court aims to balance environmental protection with the need for stone and minerals for India's developmental trajectory, avoiding a complete mining ban to prevent illegal mining.
• The Aravalli Green Wall Project, promoted by the Centre, faces challenges as reforestation may not predictably compensate for deforestation's impact.
• The definition of what constitutes the Aravallis is contested, with the court deferring to the Attorney Solicitor General's broader interpretation without clear reasoning.
• Lack of transparency regarding the definition of the Aravallis and its implications creates a trust deficit for the government in environmental policy.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Greenwashing: Presenting a false image of environmental responsibility.
• Sustainable Mining: Mining practices that minimize environmental impact.
• Deforestation: Clearing of forests for other land uses.