Supreme Court forms Aravalli definition committee

The India — Supreme Court of India>>> has constituted a five-member high-powered committee, chaired by Kanchan Devi>>> of the India — Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education>>>, to conduct an independent review of the definition and demarcation of the ecologically sensitive India — Aravalli Range>>>. This action follows the court's stay on a previous report by the India — Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change>>> due to 'critical ambiguities'. The committee, which includes experts from various fields, is tasked with addressing concerns that the current definitions may significantly reduce protected areas, potentially opening them to mining and other environmentally harmful activities. It will examine issues such as the 500-meter gap criterion between hills and the 100-meter elevation criterion, particularly in India — Rajasthan>>>. The committee is directed to submit a comprehensive report by August 31, 2026, and to engage with all stakeholders, including the governments of India — Delhi>>>, India — Rajasthan>>>, and India — Haryana>>>, environmental groups, and mining lease holders. The India — Supreme Court of India>>> has also continued its stay on mining activities across the entire India — Aravalli Range>>> pending the committee's report.