Aravali Hills: Public Input Sought on Protection

A Supreme Court-appointed committee has initiated a public consultation process to gather suggestions and documentary evidence concerning the protection of the Aravali hills and ranges. The committee is mandated to submit its comprehensive report to the court by August 31. This consultation is crucial as its recommendations will significantly influence future judicial decisions on identifying, protecting, and regulating the Aravalis.

Stakeholders across Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, and other states connected to the Aravali ecosystem are invited to submit their input within 21 days via email or a dedicated portal. Environmentalists and former forest officials have expressed concern that the exercise might lead to a redefinition of the Aravalis, potentially weakening conservation efforts. They emphasize that the geological formation is already well-defined and does not require new definitions, particularly after past proposals suggested limiting the definition to hills above 100 meters.

The Aravali range, spanning approximately 700km from Gujarat to Delhi, plays a vital role in combating desertification, recharging groundwater, moderating climate, and supporting wildlife. Decades of degradation due to mining, urban expansion, and encroachments have led to significant interventions by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal. The committee's forthcoming report is anticipated to shape the future legal and policy framework for conservation and development throughout the Aravali landscape.