SC to form expert panel on Aravallis, halt illegal mining now
SC to form expert panel on Aravallis, halt illegal mining now
SC orders an expert committee to examine Aravalli mining and halt illegal activity, citing irreversible ecological damage and a need for science-led review.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will constitute an expert committee consisting of domain specialists to undertake an exhaustive and holistic examination of mining and related issues in the Aravallis. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, directed Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati and amicus curiae K Parameshwar to suggest, within four weeks, the names of environmentalists and scientists who can join the panel. The court will supervise the committee's work.
It also extended a prior order that kept in abeyance its November directions on a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges, noting the need to resolve critical ambiguities such as whether the 100-metre elevation and 500-metre gap criteria should trim the protected area. The court emphasized that resolving these questions is essential to preserving the ecological regime around these hills.
During the hearing, the bench was told that illegal mining is taking place in scattered places. Rajasthan government's counsel assured the court that no unauthorised mining shall take place, while the court underscored that indiscriminate mining cannot be allowed and that illegal activity in the Aravallis leads to irreversible damage.
The court's move to set up a science-based expert body comes amid calls to stop mining 'at all costs' and to safeguard ecological integrity. Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan have been urged to cooperate and suspend mining until the panel can complete its examination, ensuring the structural and ecological preservation of the Aravalli ranges.
