Aravali Hills: Expert Panel Faces Impartiality Questions

Environmentalists have raised significant concerns regarding the impartiality of the high-powered committee (HPC) constituted by the Supreme Court to define the Aravali Hills and Ranges. The committee, tasked with an independent expert assessment to protect the severely degraded hill ranges, is headed by the director general of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).

Critics question how a committee led by a bureaucrat reporting to the central government can be considered impartial. ICFRE functions under the Union ministry of environment, forests and climate change, which had previously finalized a definition of Aravalis that led to widespread protests. Petitioners argue that an institution subordinate to the ministry cannot independently review its own findings.

The Supreme Court emphasized the need for multidisciplinary expertise to assess geology, biodiversity, and geo-mapping of the Aravali landscape. The HPC must examine contentious issues, including whether definitions based on elevation or proximity of hills could reduce protected land and increase mining areas. The committee is expected to invite representations from various stakeholders before submitting its report by August 31.