Centre Endorses High-Powered Expert Committee for Aravalli Definition
The Centre has officially endorsed a high-powered expert committee (HPEC) proposed by the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to establish a uniform definition for the Aravalli hills and ranges. This move aims to resolve long-standing ambiguities and enhance environmental protection in the region.
Committee Composition and Leadership
The 10-member HPEC will be led by Kanchan Devi, Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE). A 1991 Indian Forest Service officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Devi brings over three decades of expertise in forestry education, wildlife policy, and institutional leadership. The committee includes a mix of in-service and retired bureaucrats, academicians, and domain experts from key organizations such as the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Geological Survey of India (GSI), and Survey of India.
Key Members and Expertise
Other notable members recommended by the CEC include former FSI Director General Subhash Ashutosh, former GSI Director Rajendra Kumar Sharma, climate policy expert Tejal Kanitkar, and senior academician Jaya Parkash Yadav. Additionally, the panel features geographer Tejbir Singh Rana, former Additional Surveyor General SV Singh, and former Principal Chief Conservators of Forests CN Pandey and Dharmendra Prakash. The CEC also suggested including author RN Mishra and conservationist Vijay Dhasmana to ensure a holistic approach.
Ministry's Stake and Supreme Court Directives
In an affidavit filed with the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) expressed no objection to the CEC-proposed committee. The ministry emphasized that the Aravalli issue requires comprehensive and analytical examination by domain experts, including stakeholder consultations. The HPEC will commence its work upon formal approval from the Supreme Court, which had earlier, on February 26, directed the MoEFCC and stakeholders to suggest expert names for defining the Aravalli ranges and regulating mining activities.
Background and Environmental Concerns
The Supreme Court's decision to form this committee follows significant environmental outcry. On December 29 last year, the court noted clarifications were needed regarding the Aravalli definition and suspended its November 20, 2025 ruling, which was based on earlier committee recommendations. A Bench led by CJI Surya Kant highlighted critical ambiguities, such as whether criteria like 100-metre elevation and 500-metre gaps between hills would undermine environmental protections. The new HPEC will assess the environmental impact of previous recommendations and ensure only lawful mining proceeds in the region.
This initiative underscores the government's commitment to balancing development with ecological conservation, addressing stakeholder concerns through expert-led analysis.
