SC stays Aravalli order, forms expert panel; hearing on Jan 21

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : In a significant intervention regarding the Aravalli mountain range, the Supreme Court has stayed the order that declared hills less than 100 meters in height as Aravalli mountains. Taking suo motu cognizance of the matter, the country's highest court clarified that further clarity is needed on several key aspects regarding the definition of the Aravalli and its environmental impacts.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the central government, told the court that misleading information was being spread regarding this matter. The Supreme Court stated that it was essential to understand the many technical and scientific aspects of the Aravalli mountain range, which is why it had taken cognizance of this matter.

A high-powered expert committee has been formed, with the next hearing scheduled for January 21st

A bench headed by the Chief Justice ordered the formation of a high-powered expert committee to conduct a thorough investigation of the Aravalli Hills and the entire mountain range. This committee will consist of domain experts who will examine the structural and ecological integrity of the Aravallis.

The CJI stated that certain technical points needed to be clarified. He stated, "The Aravalli Hills and Range will be examined by a high-powered committee over a long period of time, so as to preserve the structure and ecological balance of this ancient mountain range." The court directed that the earlier order will not be effective until the committee's recommendations are received and the Supreme Court makes its final conclusions. The next hearing date has been set for January 21st.

The Supreme Court has also stayed its November 20th decision, which accepted the definition of the Aravalli Hills and Aravalli Range given by the Union Environment Ministry. That decision held that hills less than 100 meters in height would not be part of the Aravalli.

There were concerns that applying this definition would open the door to controlled activities like mining in large parts of the Aravalli region. Keeping this in mind, the court has now ordered a re-examination of all aspects by a new expert committee.

The Supreme Court has issued notices to the central government and four states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, and Haryana, seeking responses on the issue. One end of the Aravalli mountain range lies in Gujarat and the other in Delhi, while the largest portion extends into Rajasthan. Haryana also has extensive areas of the mountain range.

Although the Aravalli Mountains are not as high as the Himalayas, the region is extremely rich in biodiversity. Many rare wildlife and plant species are found here. Experts believe that if large-scale mining activities begin here, it could pose a serious threat to the environment and wildlife.