Supreme Court Orders Expert Panel on Aravali Hills, Directs States to Stop Illegal Mining at All Costs

The Supreme Court of India has taken a decisive step in the ongoing battle against illegal mining in the Aravali Hills. During Wednesday’s hearing, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant directed the formation of an expert committee to assess the situation and provide detailed recommendations. The Court has also instructed state governments to ensure that all illegal mining activities in the Aravalis are stopped immediately.

Key Directions from the Supreme Court

The Court has ordered the establishment of a committee comprising experts from relevant fields, including environmental science, mining, and ecology. This panel will function under the supervision and guidance of the Supreme Court and submit periodic reports on the state of the Aravali Hills.

Chief Justice Suryakant emphasized that illegal mining constitutes a criminal offense with severe environmental consequences. He instructed officials to fully deploy their machinery and resources to prevent unauthorized extraction of minerals and deforestation in the region.

Input from Stakeholders

During the hearing, advocate Raju Ramachandran, representing farmers from Rajasthan, highlighted that despite the 2024 order by Justice Oka’s bench, mining leases were still being issued and trees were being cut. The Supreme Court expressed serious concern over these violations and reaffirmed the need for strict enforcement to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Aravalis.

The Court also sought suggestions from all parties regarding names of environmentalists, scientists, and mining experts who could serve on the committee. Additionally, the issue of defining the terms “forests” and “Aravali” will be examined separately. Amicus Curiae K. Parameswar has been given four weeks to file a detailed note on the definition of the Aravali Hills.

Background

The Aravali Hills have long been under threat from illegal mining, which has resulted in deforestation, habitat destruction, and ecological imbalance. The Supreme Court’s intervention aims to preserve the region’s environment while holding state authorities accountable for enforcement. Previous hearings had paused any changes to the definition of the Aravali Hills, pending further review.

The creation of this expert committee signals a stronger judicial oversight and a commitment to protecting one of India’s most ecologically sensitive regions from further degradation.