SC Takes Suo Motu Action on Aravallis; CJI Suryakant to Hear Crucial Case Monday

• Supreme Court takes suo motu cognizance of the Aravalli Range dispute; CJI Suryakant to lead a three-judge bench hearing on Monday.
• Controversy stems from a new government definition considering only hills over 100 meters as Aravallis, which experts warn could destroy 90% of the range.
• Aravallis are crucial as a 'natural shield' for Delhi-NCR against desertification and pollution, with their loss threatening severe environmental impact.
• Central government has halted new mining leases and launched the 'Aravalli Green Wall' initiative to protect the range.
• Opposition leaders like Sonia Gandhi criticized the new definition, calling it a 'death warrant' for the Aravallis and demanding withdrawal of amendments.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court intervenes in Aravalli dispute, as new definition threatens 90% of the vital mountain range.