SC Seeks Expert Panel on Aravallis, Halts Illegal Mining

The Supreme Court (SC) has moved to tighten oversight of the Aravalli range by initiating the process to form an expert committee. It also directed an immediate halt to illegal mining in affected areas. Moreover, the court said it would seek recommendations from the Centre and other stakeholders to help define the scope and mandate of the panel.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant asked the Centre, the amicus curiae and other parties to suggest names of environmentalists, scientists and mining experts within four weeks. The proposed committee will work under the Supreme Court’s supervision. It will also submit its findings to the court.

During the hearing, the court was informed that illegal mining was continuing at some locations despite earlier orders. The bench directed the Rajasthan government to stop such activity immediately, with the state assuring compliance.

The Supreme Court said its interim directions on the definition of the Aravalli range will continue. Furthermore, existing mining operations will be allowed to continue until further orders. It also extended its earlier decision to keep its 20th November directions on a uniform definition of the Aravallis on hold.

In an order passed on 29th December, 2025, the court had flagged “critical ambiguities” in the earlier definition. This included concerns that elevation and distance criteria could remove environmental protection from large parts of the Aravalli range. This had reversed an earlier move that limited protection to landforms above 100 metres in height.

The court reiterated that the definition of the Aravallis will be examined separately from the definition of forests. It also flagged wider environmental concerns linked to illegal construction and mining, including issues affecting Chandigarh’s Sukhna Lake.

The matter will be taken up again after the amicus curiae submits a detailed note. This note will be based on inputs from all stakeholders.

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