Supreme Court Committee to Assess Aravalli Region in Rajasthan

High-Powered Committee's Upcoming Visit

Jaipur, Oct 9: A High-Powered Committee (HPC), appointed by the Supreme Court, is set to visit the Vagad region of Rajasthan from October 11 to 13 to evaluate the ecological status and conservation efforts concerning the Aravalli mountain range.

The committee will focus on the Paldeval-Sarkan area in Dungarpur district and the Kevadiya-Kothara area in Banswara district, aiming to understand the local conditions related to mining, forest management, land utilization, and the livelihoods of indigenous communities.

This visit follows the committee's recent tour of the Aravalli region in Gujarat, which took place from October 8 to 10. During their time in Rajasthan, the committee plans to conduct field inspections and engage with local residents and stakeholders.

The insights gathered will contribute to a detailed report that the Supreme Court has requested by November 30 of this year.

Established on May 25, 2026, the Supreme Court formed a five-member committee led by the Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to independently review the definition and demarcation process of the Aravalli range.

This initiative aims to evaluate the ecological features of the region and address conservation concerns.

The committee's upcoming visit will concentrate on areas where the interplay between the Aravalli landscape, forest ecosystems, wildlife, mining operations, and local livelihoods is particularly crucial.

In preparation for the committee's arrival, the Rajasthan government has mobilized the Forest Department and local officials. A senior official from the Forest Department will act as the field coordinator, accompanied by Deputy Conservators of Forests (DCFs) and other personnel from Dungarpur and Banswara during the inspections.

These arrangements are designed to facilitate site visits, provide essential field information, and enable direct communication between the committee and local stakeholders.

Previously, the committee undertook a five-day tour of Rajasthan, where it conducted field inspections and consulted with stakeholders at various locations. However, there were concerns regarding insufficient participation, especially from rural and tribal communities.

This led to calls for another ground-level assessment in southern Rajasthan, emphasizing the need to hear directly from those most affected by decisions regarding the Aravalli region.

In a clarification issued on September 7, the Supreme Court emphasized that the committee must ensure ample opportunities for all relevant stakeholders, including tribal communities in Rajasthan and Gujarat, to voice their opinions.

The committee is expected to integrate these perspectives into its final evaluation, which is due to be submitted to the Court by November 30.

During the forthcoming inspections, the committee will explore various aspects of the region's environmental and economic landscape, including mining and quarrying activities, forest cover, water resources, existing land-use patterns, and their environmental impacts, as well as the effects of mining and land-use practices on local residents and tribal livelihoods.

Feedback will also be sought from environmentalists, subject matter experts, mining leaseholders, villagers, farmers, laborers, and tribal communities. Evening consultations are scheduled in both districts, allowing approximately three hours for discussions with local residents and stakeholders each day.

According to the planned itinerary, the committee will conclude its Gujarat tour by October 10 before proceeding to southern Rajasthan on October 11.

On October 11, field inspections will occur in the Paldeval-Sarkan area of Dungarpur district, followed by stakeholder consultations.

On October 12, the committee will inspect the Kevadiya-Kothara area in Banswara district and engage in discussions with local communities and stakeholders.

October 13 will mark the final day of the Rajasthan visit, with inspections expected to enhance the committee's understanding of local environmental conditions, mining-related issues, and the socio-economic realities faced by communities in the region.

The findings will contribute to a broader assessment of the Aravalli hills' definition, demarcation, and conservation efforts. The committee's report, due by November 30, will be submitted to the Supreme Court for further evaluation.