SC seeks experts for panel on Aravalis; mining ban to continue

Supreme Court Pushes for Expert Input on Aravalli Definition

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant has taken a significant step in addressing the long-standing debate over the Aravalli Hills by calling for the formation of an expert committee.

The court, comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, is handling a suo motu petition triggered by concerns over the ecological future of this vital mountain range. Spanning states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi, the Aravallis serve as a critical green lung for northern India, helping regulate climate and prevent desertification.

On Thursday, the judges urged the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, along with other parties, to submit names of qualified experts within two weeks, by March 10. This panel will tackle key questions: what exactly constitutes the Aravalli range, its total area, forest cover, gradients, and areas already developed into urban settlements.

The move comes after the court stayed its earlier November 20 order, which had adopted a narrower definition limiting the range to landforms rising at least 100 meters above surrounding terrain—a change that sparked fears of increased mining.

Mining Operations Remain Halted Amid Balancing Act

The Supreme Court has made it clear that no mining, even previously licensed operations, will resume until the experts weigh in.

This status quo order underscores the court's caution, recognizing the tension between environmental protection and economic needs. Construction materials like limestone, abundant in the Aravallis, are essential for development, yet unchecked extraction has led to deforestation and habitat loss.

"We realise we cannot stall everything as construction material is needed. But let the entire exercise be complete. Let the experts tell us if mining is permissible and if so, under what conditions," the bench remarked during the hearing.

This statement highlights the judiciary's intent to find a middle ground, ensuring decisions are informed by science rather than haste.

Senior advocate K Parmeshwar, serving as amicus curiae, and domain expert Jay Cheema have been roped in to assist, with parties asked to share detailed notes ahead of the next hearing. The court emphasized no further delays, signaling urgency in resolving this matter.

States like Haryana and Rajasthan, key stakeholders, have been directed to propose names, reflecting a collaborative approach to safeguard this fragile ecosystem.

Background of the Aravalli Dispute and Its Implications

The controversy traces back to growing alarm over the Aravalli's shrinking footprint due to urbanization and illegal mining.

Environmentalists argue that a lax definition could greenlight destruction of biodiversity hotspots, home to leopards, hyenas, and rare flora. The range, one of India's oldest mountain systems, acts as a natural barrier against the Thar Desert's advance.

In December 2025, the court outlined the panel's broad mandate: not just defining boundaries but also pinpointing exclusions for existing settlements and assessing sustainable activities. This follows widespread criticism from activists and opposition voices, prompting the suo motu action.

The November ruling had briefly raised hopes for regulated mining but was quickly paused amid backlash, exposing divisions between development advocates and conservationists. Now, with experts set to guide the process, there's cautious optimism for a balanced outcome.

The Aravallis' plight mirrors broader challenges in India, where rapid growth often clashes with nature conservation. Protecting this range could set a precedent for other eco-sensitive zones.

In summary, the Supreme Court's directive for an expert panel maintains the mining ban while promising a thorough, science-backed review of the Aravalli Hills' definition and future use, balancing ecology with development needs.