Concerns Raised Over Supreme Court Committee for Aravalli Review: Experts Demand Changes

A coalition of scientists and environmental experts has expressed concerns regarding the composition of a Supreme Court-appointed committee tasked with reviewing the Aravalli hill range. They argue that the committee lacks independence due to its members primarily being current or former government officials. Notable figures like Dr. Ravi Chopra and Sagar Dhara have called for a more diverse panel, including independent experts, to ensure unbiased evaluations. The committee, led by Kanchan Devi, is expected to submit its report by August 31, but calls for changes highlight the need for a more balanced approach to environmental governance.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 19, 2026, 19:31 IST

Experts Question Supreme Court Committee's Composition

New Delhi: A group of scientists, environmental specialists, and policy analysts from various parts of India have reached out to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to express their concerns regarding the makeup of the high-powered expert committee established by the Supreme Court. This committee is responsible for evaluating the Centre's report on the definition and boundaries of the Aravalli hill range.

The letters, sent on Thursday and Friday, advocate for a revision of the committee's structure, highlighting worries about its impartiality.

Formed following a Supreme Court order on May 25, the committee is led by Kanchan Devi, the Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, and is expected to present its findings by August 31.

Other members of this panel include Dr. Subhash Ashutosh, former director general of the Forest Survey of India; Dr. Rajendra Kumar Sharma, ex-director of the Geological Survey of India; Brij Mohan Singh Rathore, a former joint secretary in the Environment Ministry; and Professor Ashok K Bhatnagar, who previously headed the Department of Botany at Delhi University.

Additionally, the court has appointed Professor Jagdish Krishnaswamy from the Indian Institute for Human Settlements in Bengaluru and Professor Laxmikant Sharma from the Central University of Haryana as special invitees, who may assist the committee's work if necessary.

The Environment Ministry has been instructed to designate a director-level officer to act as the committee's member secretary.

In one of the letters, environmentalist and social scientist Dr. Ravi Chopra raised concerns about the committee's capacity to deliver unbiased opinions on contentious matters, pointing out that nearly all members are current or former government officials.

Drawing from his experience chairing two Supreme Court-appointed committees, Chopra noted that government officials and scientists from state-funded institutions typically do not oppose the ruling government's views, even if they express differing opinions during discussions.

In another letter, environmental and policy expert Sagar Dhara referenced past Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committees led by distinguished scientists and independent experts.

"For instance, eminent physicist Professor MGK Menon was appointed in 1997 to lead a committee focused on creating a comprehensive regulatory framework for hazardous waste management. The preservation and conservation of the Aravallis necessitate a similar strategy, where the selection of members, including the Chairperson, should not be limited to serving or retired government officials," he stated.

Meanwhile, environmentalist Samita Kaur from Punjab urged for the inclusion of members with expertise in health, traditional livelihoods, ecology, wildlife, and hydrology in the committee.