(a) whether it is true that the Government is considering to come out with a new Aravali policy on the basis of several orders passed by the courts;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has received similar demands from other parts of the country in tune with the said court orders; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIORNMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)
(a) and (b) The Hon’ble Supreme Court vide its order dated 29th and 30th October, 2002 and 16th December 2002 in various IAs of WP(C) no. 202 of 1995 in TN Godavarman vs. Union of India and others, prohibited and banned all the mining activities in the entire Aravali Hills. Again, the Supreme Court vide its order dated 08.10.2009 had allowed the mining in certain areas of Aravali Hills with certain conditions. One of the conditions was that the mining operation could commence after obtaining necessary clearances including prior approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and clearance under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
In view of above, there is no need to come out with a new policy on Aravali Hills and Ministry has no plan for the same.
(c) and (d) No, Sir.
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