New Delhi, May 30, 2025

The Supreme Court of India, in a strongly worded observation, came down heavily on the Haryana government for its failure to prevent illegal mining in the ecologically sensitive Aravalli Hills. The bench, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih, expressed alarm over the apparent lack of enforcement and hinted at systemic complicity by government officials.

 

The Court was hearing a matter concerning environmental violations in the Nuh district, where parts of the Aravalli range have reportedly been disturbed to facilitate unlawful stone mining and transportation. Recent findings submitted by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) included photographic and video evidence of freshly constructed roads in forested zones—allegedly created to assist the movement of illegally mined material.

 

“This is not just administrative failure—it points to active collusion,” the Chief Justice remarked, questioning the role of senior officials, including the Chief Secretary of Haryana. The Court noted that the state’s claims of ignorance were inconsistent with on-ground evidence and prior warnings issued through media reports and local complaints.

 

The CEC report further noted that some forest officials had indeed tried to intervene but were unsupported by other departments, allowing the illegal activity to persist unchecked. The Court emphasized that excuses based on inter-departmental coordination breakdowns were no longer acceptable.

 

The CEC report further noted that some forest officials had indeed tried to intervene but were unsupported by other departments, allowing the illegal activity to persist unchecked. The Court emphasized that excuses based on inter-departmental coordination breakdowns were no longer acceptable.

 

Issuing a stern direction, the Court ordered the Chief Secretary to identify and take disciplinary action against all officers responsible for allowing the mining mafia to operate with impunity. A detailed compliance affidavit has been sought by July 16, failing which the Court warned that contempt proceedings or other coercive measures may be initiated.

 

The hearing underscores the judiciary’s increasing focus on holding public servants accountable in environmental matters, especially when legal protections for fragile ecosystems like the Aravallis are undermined by vested interests.