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2d ago

Supreme Court Puts Aravalli Redefinition on Hold, Orders Independent Expert Review

The bench sought scientific scrutiny of the 100‑metre height with 500‑metre spacing to ensure the range’s ecological continuity.

Referring to the long-running environmental litigation in TN Godavarman Thirumulpad case, the Supreme Court delivered a 29-page judgement in the suo motu matter.
The Aravalli hills act as a vast, fractured rock sponge that captures monsoon rain and recharges groundwater aquifers. (HT Archive)
The two-billion-year-old Aravallis, the country’s oldest fold-mountain range, act as a natural boundary to the Thar desert and protect Delhi and its neighbourhood from desertification, serve as a natural water recharge facility, and provide biodiversity-rich green cover in an otherwise arid region. (ANI)
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Overview

  • The vacation bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant kept the November 20 order and the MoEF&CC committee’s recommendations in abeyance after taking suo motu cognisance.
  • Notices were issued to the Centre and the four Aravalli states, with the case listed for January 21, 2026 as the court moves to constitute a high‑powered panel of domain experts.
  • The court framed key questions on whether the 100m/500m criteria narrow protected areas, create gaps, and permit regulated mining, and whether a geological inquiry is required.
  • Implementation steps such as mapping under the new criteria and management planning are paused, while the ban on granting new mining leases continues pending further directions.
  • The intervention follows protests and expert objections, including concerns from FSI and the CEC, with the court stressing the need for a fair, impartial, independent assessment before any policy moves.