Aravalis can’t be defined by height or any single criterion: SC panel
A high-powered committee tasked with defining the Aravali mountain range has requested a six-month extension from the Supreme Court of India. The panel argues that the range's complex ecology cannot be defined by height alone and requires a multi-faceted geospatial and environmental assessment.
Why it matters
Defining the Aravalis is critical for environmental protection, as the classification determines which areas receive legal safeguards against degradation and urban encroachment.
GURGAON: The high-powered committee (HPC) tasked with defining Aravalis has informed Supreme Court that its complex landscape cannot be captured through a single terrain or height-based criterion and sought six more months till Feb 27 to complete the exercise.HPC was formed by Supreme Court after an environment ministry panel’s definition, which recognised as Aravalis only hills that had an elevation of 100 metres or more and was adopted by the court last Nov, drew widespread protests, particularly in Rajasthan. The court stayed its judgement in Dec and subsequently set up the HPC in May this year.In its compliance report submitted to SC, HPC said geospatial analysis, field validation, expert examination and stakeholder consultations are needed before it can submit its final recommendations. Defining the ancient, and in parts severely degraded, ranges that run between Gujarat and Delhi isn’t an easy task because the Aravalis lack uniformity.
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