Environment – Aravalli Protection Panel Asked to Broaden Public Consultations

Environment –   India’s Supreme Court on Monday underlined the importance of wider consultations while forming an expert panel to define the Aravalli hill system, stressing that environmental protection measures must reflect both scientific expertise and public concerns.

Court Calls for Smaller and Efficient Expert Body

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, observed that the proposed committee should remain compact for effective functioning. The bench stated that an oversized panel would become difficult to coordinate and could slow down decision-making.

The court indicated that the expert body should ideally consist of five to seven members. According to the bench, such a structure would help maintain efficiency while still allowing the committee to gather detailed inputs from specialists and stakeholders connected to environmental and ecological issues.

Public Participation Emphasised in Aravalli Matter

During the proceedings, the Supreme Court highlighted that the committee should not work in isolation. Instead, it must actively seek suggestions and opinions from domain experts, environmental researchers, and members of the public before finalising any recommendations related to the Aravalli region.

The judges stressed that environmental decisions affecting large ecological zones require broader participation because local communities and subject specialists often provide practical insights into long-term conservation challenges.

The observations came while the court continued hearing matters linked to the protection and classification of the Aravalli hills, one of India’s oldest mountain ranges that stretches across several northern states.

Earlier Mining Restrictions Remain Significant

The Supreme Court had previously imposed a ban on mining activities in the Aravalli region after concerns were raised regarding environmental degradation, deforestation, and ecological imbalance. The court had also paused efforts to implement a standardised definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges until wider consultations could be conducted.

Environmental groups and conservation experts have repeatedly argued that unclear classification standards may create loopholes that could affect protected areas and increase pressure from mining and construction activities.

Earlier Definition Proposal Discussed

An earlier committee examining the issue had proposed technical criteria for identifying the Aravalli formations. According to that proposal, an “Aravalli Hill” would refer to a landform rising at least 100 metres above the surrounding terrain. The proposal further suggested that an “Aravalli Range” could be classified as a cluster of two or more such hills situated within a distance of 500 metres from each other.

The court, however, appeared cautious about adopting any uniform definition without first examining wider scientific and public feedback.

Centre and Amicus Curiae Present Suggestions

Representing the Union government, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the court that the Central Empowered Committee and the amicus curiae had already suggested several names for inclusion in the proposed expert panel. She stated that the final composition of the committee could now be decided.

Senior advocate K Parameshwar, appearing as amicus curiae, supported the need for broader engagement. He submitted that the panel should interact with stakeholders and consider public opinion before preparing its recommendations.

Focus Remains on Ecological Protection

The latest observations from the apex court reflect continuing judicial attention on environmental governance and ecological preservation. The Aravalli range plays a vital role in controlling desertification, supporting groundwater systems, and maintaining biodiversity across large parts of northwestern India.

With concerns over urban expansion and industrial activity growing in sensitive ecological zones, the Supreme Court’s emphasis on expert consultation and public participation is expected to shape future conservation measures linked to the Aravalli region.