The Supreme Court of India has recently extended Green Protection to the forest land in Aravalli ranges. The court’s ruling will mean around 30,000 hectares across the Aravallis and Shivaliks in Haryana will now be considered as protected forest land. This decision is significant and falls under the purview of the Punjab Land Preservation Act and the Forest Conservation Act 1980.
The Supreme Court Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court ruling stated that all land subject to the special orders issued under Section 4 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) in Haryana will now be treated as forests. This means that these lands will be entitled to protection under the 1980 Forest Conservation Act. As per this law, no commercial activity or non-forest use can take place on these lands without the consent of the central government.
In addition, the Supreme Court also clarified that lands covered by these special orders under Section 4 of the PLPA possess all attributes of forest lands within the meaning of Section 2 of the Forest Act. The state government was also directed to eliminate any non-forest activity from these lands and report compliance within three months.
Understanding Section 4 of PLPA & Section 2 of Forest Act
Section 4 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), involves the issuance of special orders by the state government to prevent deforestation of a particular area that could potentially cause soil erosion. Not all lands under the PLPA automatically become forest lands; it is only those land notified under the special orders of Section 4 of PLPA that are considered as forest lands.
On the other hand, Section 2 of the Forest Act imposes prohibitions on the de-reservation of forests or use of forest land for non-forest purposes without obtaining prior approval of the central government.
About Aravalli Range
The Aravalli ranges stretch for a distance of about 720 km from Himmatnagar in Gujarat to Delhi, crossing through Haryana and Rajasthan. The formation of the Aravallis dates back to millions of years when a pre-Indian subcontinent collided with the mainland Eurasian Plate. Carbon dating has shown that copper and other metals mined in the ranges date back to at least the 5th century BC.
Characteristics of Aravalli Range
The Aravallis are one of the oldest fold mountains in the world now forming residual mountains with an elevation of 300m to 900m. Its highest peak is the Guru Shikhar Peak on Mount Abu with an elevation of 1,722 m.
The Significance of Aravalli Range
The Aravalli ranges act as a barrier between the fertile plains in the east and the sandy desert in the west. Historically, they have prevented the spread of the Thar desert towards the Indo-Gangetic plains. As habitats for 300 native plant species, 120 bird species, and many exclusive types of fauna like jackals and mongooses, these ranges are rich in biodiversity.
These ranges also significantly influence the climate of northwest India. During monsoons, the Aravallis serve as a barrier causing monsoon clouds to move eastwards towards Shimla and Nainital, feeding the sub-Himalayan rivers and the north Indian plains. In winter, they shield the fertile alluvial river valleys from cold winds from Central Asia.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024