Why fixing environment is the big challenge of 2026

A hundred years ago, American lawyer and jurist Benjamin N Cardozo said that “history, in illuminating the past, illuminates the present, and in illuminating the present, illuminates the future”.

- Shashi Shekhar

Let’s discuss our smoggy present in the context of Cardozo’s statement.The past few days have seen people in Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh coming together for the Aravallis after the Supreme Court of India passed a judgment on November 20 that only the hills that are 100 metres or higher would be considered a part of the hills. The order was based on the government's stance that a clear definition for the ranges was needed to formulate developmental policies. Those who disagreed with the government and the court called the judgment a death warrant for the Aravallis. Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav held a press conference and claimed that it was all a misunderstanding, that only 0.19% of the Aravallis will be open to mining, and that care would be taken to conserve the entire range and its wildlife. On December 24, the government said no new mining leases will be issued. The Aravallis, after all, act as a bulwark against desertification and pollution.