“Supreme Court Slams Haryana Government: Mining Mafia ‘Strong Enough’ to Defy Law in Aravalli Hills”
In a sharp rebuke that underscores the deepening crisis of environmental exploitation in India, the Supreme Court of India on Friday lashed out at the Haryana Chief Secretary for the state’s continued failure to curb illegal mining activities in the Aravalli Hills. During the hearing, the apex court observed that the mining mafia appeared “strong enough” to defy state authority, exposing glaring administrative inaction and a worrying lack of political will.
Supreme Court’s Stern Remarks
A bench led by Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan expressed its deep displeasure after reviewing evidence and reports pointing toward rampant illegal mining in protected areas of the Aravalli range, despite prior court orders. “It seems the mining mafia is strong enough to resist even the Chief Secretary,” the court remarked scathingly, pointing to the audacious defiance of law and order.
The court added that state authorities have repeatedly failed to implement the Supreme Court’s directives to halt illegal mining in ecologically sensitive zones. The Aravalli Hills, which serve as a crucial ecological buffer protecting the National Capital Region (NCR) from desertification and extreme weather, are rapidly being decimated by unchecked mining.
Background of the Case
The matter stems from long-standing concerns about illegal sand and stone mining operations that have flourished in the Aravallis, despite being prohibited under environmental protection regulations and Supreme Court judgments. Environmentalists and civil society groups have consistently raised alarms about the consequences of mining in these hills, which include water table depletion, loss of biodiversity, and increased air pollution in the already fragile NCR ecosystem.
Government’s Inaction Under Fire
The Haryana government’s lack of enforcement has drawn repeated censure. In the present hearing, the Supreme Court was reviewing affidavits submitted by the Haryana administration regarding steps taken to comply with its previous orders. The submissions were found to be inadequate and evasive, prompting the court to question the efficacy and sincerity of the state’s efforts.
The court directed the Chief Secretary to submit a detailed compliance report within a specified timeline and warned of strict consequences for continued non-compliance. The judges made it clear that executive inaction would no longer be tolerated when it comes to safeguarding public resources and the environment.
Environmental Impact and Public Outcry
Environmental experts warn that the continued mining poses a catastrophic threat to the Aravalli ecosystem. The mountain range is home to endangered species and supports delicate water recharge systems critical for groundwater in the NCR.
Activists from organizations like Citizens for Aravallis and Environmental Justice India have welcomed the court’s stern stand but caution that unless the mining mafia’s political protection is dismantled, the situation may not change on the ground.
Call for Accountability
The Supreme Court’s remarks reflect a growing judicial frustration with state inaction in environmental protection matters. While the judiciary continues to uphold the rule of law and environmental rights, implementation remains a bottleneck.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the nexus between illegal mining operations and local governance failures, with the Aravalli Hills bearing the cost of this unholy alliance.