Supreme Court Constitutes High‑Powered Committee on Aravalli Hills
The Supreme Court issued an order on 25 May 2026 in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 10 of 2025. It set up a High‑Powered Committee (HPC) to study the Aravalli Hills and Ranges and related ancillary matters.
Key Developments
- HPC must submit a comprehensive report to the Supreme Court by 31 August 2026.
- Public representations are invited from states Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat and any other interested state.
- Stakeholders include environmentalists, conservationists, NGOs, mining lease holders, project proponents, villagers, farmers, mine workers and local communities.
- Submissions should be supported by documentary evidence wherever possible.
- Responses can be sent via email to [email protected] or through the Google Form link provided, within 21 days of this notice.
Important Facts
The Aravalli ecosystem supports a wide range of flora and fauna and supplies water to several river basins. Rapid urbanisation, mining activities and infrastructure projects have raised concerns about ecological degradation. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued the press note, signalling governmental backing for the Court‑ordered process.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the legal and institutional mechanisms for environmental governance is essential for GS2 (Polity) and GS3 (Environment). The case illustrates:
- Judicial activism through Suo Motu jurisdiction.
- Inter‑agency coordination between the judiciary, the MoEFCC, and state governments.
- Stakeholder participation in policy formulation, a key principle of democratic governance.
Way Forward
Interested parties should prepare concise, evidence‑backed submissions highlighting:
- Specific ecological impacts observed in their locality.
- Recommendations for sustainable mining, land‑use planning and community livelihood support.
- Data on biodiversity loss, water scarcity or pollution linked to development projects.
Timely and well‑documented inputs will help the HPC craft a balanced report that safeguards the Aravalli ecosystem while addressing developmental needs. Aspirants should monitor the final report, as its recommendations may shape future environmental legislation and judicial pronouncements.