SC Committee Invites Public Feedback on Aravalli Hills Issues
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
The Supreme Court has constituted a high-powered committee to examine matters related to the Aravalli hills and ranges, and the committee is now inviting public suggestions. This is significant as it involves environmental conservation, mining regulation, and the rights of local communities in multiple states.
Background
The Aravalli range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in India, spanning across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. It faces threats from illegal mining, deforestation, and encroachment, leading to ecological degradation. The Supreme Court has been monitoring the situation through suo motu writ petition (Civil) No. 10/2025.
Key facts
The Supreme Court, in its order dated May 25, 2026, constituted a high-powered committee to investigate matters related to the Aravalli hills and ranges.
The committee is to submit a comprehensive report to the Supreme Court before August 31, 2026.
The committee has invited representations and suggestions from stakeholders including environmentalists, conservationists, mining lease holders, project proponents, villagers, farmers, mine workers, and local communities.
Stakeholders from Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, or any other state whose livelihood and welfare are intrinsically linked to the ecosystem and biodiversity of the Aravalli region can submit feedback.
Suggestions should be supported by documentary evidence or other verifiable material.
The deadline for submissions is 21 days from the date of publication of this notice (July 21, 2026).
Submissions can be made via email to mshpcaravalli@gmail.com or through a dedicated Google Form.
The suo motu writ petition (Civil) No. 10/2025 is the legal basis for this action.
Prelims pointers
- Aravalli Range
- Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 10/2025
- High-Powered Committee
- Supreme Court of India
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- States: Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat
- Ecosystem and Biodiversity
- Mining Lease Holders
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of the judiciary in environmental conservation with reference to the Aravalli hills case.
- Examine the challenges of balancing mining activities and ecological preservation in ecologically sensitive zones like the Aravallis.
- Critically analyze the effectiveness of high-powered committees in addressing complex environmental issues.