The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to formulate a comprehensive restoration plan for a section of the Aravalli hills in Haryana’s Nuh district, devastated by rampant illegal mining. The court further instructed the Haryana government to extend full cooperation in the process.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justices K. Vinod Chandran and Joymalya Bagchi took note of the CEC’s findings and submissions from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared on behalf of the state. Expressing provisional satisfaction over the state’s remedial efforts, the bench scheduled the matter for further hearing after 12 weeks.
The proceedings are part of a broader case relating to the illegal construction of a 1.5-kilometre road through protected Aravalli forest land by what the CEC described as a “mining mafia” allegedly operating in collusion with local officials. The road, built without environmental clearances, was reportedly used to facilitate the illicit transport of stones from Nuh to Rajasthan.
Earlier, on May 29, the apex court had come down heavily on the Haryana government, criticising it for failing to act against the mining mafia and officials who violated forest laws. The court also expressed strong disapproval of an “evasive” affidavit filed by the Haryana Chief Secretary and directed that action be taken against erring officials, with a compliance affidavit to be filed by July 16.
The CEC’s April 15 report painted a grim picture of environmental damage in the Aravallis, citing violations of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Punjab Land Preservation Act, 1900. It detailed how heavy machinery was used to carve a road through notified forest and agricultural lands between October 2024 and April 2025, severely disrupting old plantations and wildlife corridors essential for leopard movement.
The report also highlighted administrative apathy, noting that senior revenue officials showed a “non-cooperative attitude,” with some skipping crucial meetings. It further hinted at collusion between government functionaries, political actors, and illegal mining operators.
Advocate Gaurav Bansal, representing farmers from Basai Meo village — the original petitioners — urged the court to hold the authorities accountable for enabling environmental destruction and sought immediate restorative measures.
