SC’s Aravalli panel hears calls to protect range from mining, construction

The consultation was chaired by Kanchan Devi in Gurugram, with stakeholders suggesting GIS, remote sensing, hydrology and ecological parameters.

Environmentalists, conservationists and government officials on Tuesday called for stronger protection of the Aravalli ecosystem during a stakeholder consultation organised by a High Powered Committee (HPC) constituted by the Supreme Court to examine the definition and scientific delineation of the Aravalli range.

The meeting, chaired by committee chairperson Kanchan Devi at the PWD Rest House in Gurugram, was attended by representatives from Haryana, environmental groups and subject experts. The committee had also visited several sites in Gurugram and Faridabad on August 6 as part of its field assessment.

Raj Kumar, conservator of forest and the stakeholder for the consultation process, said stakeholders had been invited to submit their views and suggestions, which would be examined before the committee prepares its final report for submission to the Supreme Court. “We have noted down the suggestions and opinions shared by stakeholders. Further consultations will also be held, and the high-powered committee will prepare its report based on the submissions and technical assessments,” Kumar said.

A key issue was the methodology for defining the Aravalli range. Some participants suggested using GIS mapping, remote sensing, hydrology, topography and ecological parameters, while several environmentalists questioned the need to redefine the range, saying it already has an established geographical and ecological identity.

Participants highlighted the Aravallis’ role in groundwater recharge, particularly in Gurugram, where many residents depend on groundwater. They said degradation of the hills has affected water security and contributed to declining groundwater levels.

Stakeholders also sought measures to prevent habitat fragmentation, protect wildlife corridors, curb illegal mining and conserve forests and natural water bodies. Air pollution, the Bandhwari landfill and sustainable alternatives to Aravalli stone used in construction were also discussed.

Environmentalist Vaishali Rana said, “The Aravallis are not just hills; they are the ecological lifeline of the NCR. They recharge groundwater, support wildlife and act as a natural barrier against dust and pollution. Any exercise to define them must strengthen their protection, not weaken it.”

Environmentalist Sangeeta Nayyar said, “The focus should remain on conserving forests, wildlife corridors and water bodies and ensuring that development does not come at the cost of this fragile ecosystem.”

Tripty Arya of Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology was also present at the consultation and voiced concerns over the rapid loss of green cover in Haryana and increasing construction in the Aravalli region. “Haryana has lost 2.5 sq km of green cover in just two years... There needs to be a detailed assessment of the flats and farmhouses already built in the Aravallis, as well as proposals for further construction,” she said.

The committee was present from 10am until after noon, with the meeting coordinated locally by the forest department. Due to space constraints, the meeting was organised in two parts, with citizens and civil society stakeholders speaking first, followed separately by mining stakeholders.

Citizens strongly opposed the proposed 100-metre approach, saying it was completely unacceptable and alleging that it could be a ploy to open up the Aravallis to mining and real estate development.

Several participants, including Chetan Agarwal, an independent forest analyst, and Sunil Harsana, a conservationist, said land recorded as “gair mumkin pahar” in Haryana largely coincides with the Aravalli hills. They said these records could provide a useful basis for delineating the Aravallis in the NCR.

Participants broadly emphasised the environmental importance of the Aravallis to Gurugram, Faridabad, Delhi and the wider NCR, particularly their role in groundwater recharge, providing wildlife habitat, acting as an air corridor and serving as the last remaining forest cover in the region.

SS Oberoi and other members of the Aravalli Bachao Citizens Movement stressed the need to protect 99% of the Aravallis from mining. They also called for the Aravallis to be designated as a biosphere reserve.

The HPC will evaluate the submissions, undertake technical assessments and prepare recommendations for the Supreme Court, which are expected to guide future protection of the Aravalli range across Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and Gujarat.