Haryana will seek SC nod for mining in Aravallis

NEW DELHI: The Haryana government will, on Thursday, seek the supreme Court’s approval to begin mining in the Aravalis in Gurugram and Faridabad, a controversial move that could threaten one of the oldest mountain ranges in the country and have significant environmental impact, in terms of the recharge of groundwater and biodiversity.

“In view of pending litigation in “Haryana mining matters” case the mining in Aravali hill areas in the districts of Faridabad, Gurgaon and Mewat is lying closed since May 2009…that on the one hand the state and its citizens are being disadvantaged of the benefit of its natural resources and at the same time it has to depend on mineral from adjoining states at higher cost to its economy both public and private. The execution of infrastructural projects in the state are not only getting delayed but the cost escalation of the same due to higher cost of basic material has been a major concern affecting all new projects,” said Haryana’s appeal in the apex court, which will be heard on March 4. The appeal, reviewed by Hindustan Times, claims that there is large-scale unemployment in Haryana due to the Covid pandemic which can be addressed by opening up mining. In 2009, the Supreme Court imposed a blanket ban on all mining of major and minor minerals in the eco-sensitive Aravalis in Faridabad, Gurugram and Mewat. The order suspended all mining activities in the region till statutory provisions for restoration and reclamation were complied with, particularly in cases where pits or quarries have been left abandoned.“we are ready to comply with all of SC’S orders on mining issued earlier. The SC directed us to prepare a rehabilitation plan for areas which were affected by mining. MOEFCC (the union environment ministry) prepared it in 2013 but it is yet to be finalised. Our appeal in SC will be to finalise the rehabilitation plan and allow us to start mining operations in Gurgaon and Faridabad,” said Anil Grover, senior advocate general of Haryana. He added that in 2009, the Court, in principle, agreed to allow mining in 600 hectares across Faridabad subject to finalising of a rehabilitation plan, Meanwhile, Social Action for Forest and Environment, an environmental activist group has filed an application for intervention in matter. “Allowing mining to restart in Faridabad-gurugram belt will again devastate the ecology, destroy forest cover, and wildlife habitat,” said Chetan Agarwal, an environmental analyst.