Supreme Court Forms Expert Panel To Review Aravalli Hills Definition

The Supreme Court has constituted a five-member High-Powered Committee (HPC) to conduct a scientific review of the definition and demarcation of the ecologically sensitive Aravalli Hills and Ranges.

The committee, headed by the Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), includes experts in forestry, geology, environmental policy and biodiversity conservation. It will assess the environmental, geological and ecological implications of the criteria currently used to identify the Aravalli range and submit its report by August 31, 2026.

The Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, said the expert panel will help the Court make informed decisions on the fragile ecosystem and rich biodiversity of the Aravalli region.

The Court stressed that it will base any future action on scientific evidence and the principles of environmental protection and sustainable development.

The judges said the committee will objectively assess whether existing or proposed measures could cause ecological damage that may be difficult to reverse. They also authorised the panel to expand its inquiry if it identifies additional relevant factors.

The Supreme Court directed the committee to seek inputs from governments, environmentalists, conservation groups, mining lease holders, project developers, farmers, mine workers and local communities through a public consultation process.

The case stems from the Court’s review of the Aravalli Hills’ definition. Earlier, it warned that an elevation-based definition could leave ecologically connected areas unprotected and examined the impact of regulated mining on ecological continuity.

The Court suspended the revised definition and ordered status quo pending expert review.

Concerns over mining and environmental degradation across Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and Gujarat have increased the issue’s significance.

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