Supreme Court Establishes Committee to Define and Protect Aravalli Hills
Supreme Court forms high-powered committee to define Aravalli Hills
Asianet Newsable
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The Supreme Court of India has formed a five-member High-Powered Committee to create a uniform definition and demarcation of the ecologically sensitive Aravalli Hills. The committee is tasked with submitting a conservation report by August 31, focusing on scientific assessment and stakeholder involvement.
- 01The committee is led by Kanchan Devi, Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education.
- 02Current definitions may inadequately protect the Aravalli Hills, potentially allowing harmful activities like mining.
- 03Only 1,048 of Rajasthan's 12,081 hills meet the 100-metre height criterion for protection.
- 04The committee will include experts from various fields, such as former directors of the Geological Survey of India and the Forest Survey of India.
- 05Stakeholders, including local communities and environmental groups, will be invited to provide input on the committee's findings.
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The Supreme Court of India has established a five-member High-Powered Committee to define and demarcate the ecologically sensitive Aravalli Hills, aiming to regulate future mining activities. The committee, chaired by Kanchan Devi, is required to submit a conservation report by August 31. The court emphasized the need for scientific assessments to address concerns that the current definition may limit protected areas and allow environmentally harmful activities. Notably, only 1,048 of Rajasthan's 12,081 hills meet the 100-metre height criterion for protection, raising issues about the exclusion of many hill formations from environmental safeguards. The committee will consist of experts, including former directors from relevant governmental organizations, and will seek public input from various stakeholders, such as environmental groups, mining lease holders, and local communities. The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for September 7.
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The committee's work could significantly influence environmental protections and mining regulations in the Aravalli region.
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