Context:
The Supreme Court of India has decided to constitute a multi-disciplinary expert committee to scientifically define the Aravalli Range and determine permissible activities, amid ecological concerns and regulatory ambiguities. The decision follows concerns over an earlier judgment that used a 100-metre elevation threshold to define the Aravallis.
Key Highlights:
- Background of the Case
- A November 20, 2025 judgment defined the Aravallis based on a 100-meter elevation threshold.
- Concerns emerged that such a definition would exclude lower hill formations, leaving them vulnerable to unregulated mining and ecological degradation.
- On December 29, 2025, the Court took suo motu cognisance and stayed the earlier judgment.
- Composition of the Expert Committee
- Environmentalists
- Geologists and Scientists
- Forest officials
- Mining experts
- The committee will function under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court.
- Core Objectives
- To scientifically and comprehensively define the geographical extent of the Aravalli Range.
- To identify permissible and non-permissible activities, particularly concerning mining and land use.
- To balance ecological preservation with regulated developmental needs.
- Ecological Significance of the Aravallis
- One of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world.
- Acts as a natural barrier preventing desertification from the Thar Desert.
- Critical for groundwater recharge in north-western India.
- Hosts significant biodiversity and forest cover.
- Regulates the microclimate of Delhi-NCR and adjoining states.
- Regulatory Concerns
- Absence of a clear, uniform definition has led to legal ambiguity and regulatory lacunae.
- Narrow elevation-based criteria risk excluding ecologically vital but lower hill tracts.
- Potential for illegal mining, deforestation, and urban encroachment.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Aravalli Range stretches across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.
- Highest peak: Guru Shikhar (Rajasthan).
- Geological nature: Residual mountains (old fold mountains).
- Suo Motu: Action taken by a court on its own initiative.
- Amicus Curiae: “Friend of the Court” assisting in legal matters.
- Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA): Regions notified for special environmental protection under environmental laws.
- Environmental regulation frameworks involved:
- Environment Protection Act, 1986
- Forest Conservation Act, 1980
- EIA Notification
Relevant Mains Points:
GS 3 – Environment & Ecology
- Challenges in defining ecological landscapes through rigid administrative criteria.
- Need for science-based environmental governance.
- Balancing economic interests (mining) and sustainability.
- Role of the judiciary in environmental activism and oversight.
GS 2 – Polity
- Judicial intervention under Article 32 / Article 142 to ensure complete justice.
- Scope of judicial review in environmental regulation.
- Strengthening institutional mechanisms for ecological governance.
GS 1 – Indian Geography
- Geomorphology of residual mountain systems.
- Role of physical geography in climate regulation and desert control.
- Way Forward
- Adopt a scientifically robust, GIS-based mapping approach.
- Notify clearly demarcated Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs).
- Strengthen inter-state coordination mechanisms.
- Integrate ecological protection with sustainable livelihood models.
- Ensure continuous monitoring and transparent compliance mechanisms.
UPSC Relevance:
Highly relevant for GS 3 (Environment), GS 1 (Physical Geography), and Prelims (Geography + Environment + Polity concepts like Suo Motu). The issue reflects the evolving role of the judiciary in environmental governance and sustainable development.