Supreme Court's Aravalli Committee Seeks Extended Deadline for Comprehensive Report

The Supreme Court's Aravalli High-Powered Committee has requested a six-month extension to finalize its report on the Aravalli range. The committee emphasizes the need for a thorough assessment that encompasses various ecological and socio-economic factors. Established to review the Centre's report on the Aravallis, the committee aims to ensure a comprehensive evaluation that goes beyond technical delineation. With field visits and public hearings already conducted, the committee has gathered significant input from stakeholders. The proposed Aravalli Ecosystem Landscape framework seeks to guide conservation efforts effectively. Readers can explore the full details of this significant environmental initiative.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 4, 2026, 22:16 IST

Request for Extension by the Aravalli High-Powered Committee

New Delhi: The Supreme Court's Aravalli High-Powered Committee (HPC) has formally requested an extension of six months for submitting its final report, citing the need for additional time to conduct a thorough and credible evaluation of the Aravalli range.

In a compliance report dated August 31, the committee indicated that it requires more time to compile various forms of evidence, including spatial, ecological, geological, hydrological, socio-economic, and stakeholder data, before reaching its conclusions about the Aravallis.

Established by an order on May 25, the committee has been independently reviewing the Centre's report concerning the definition and delineation of the Aravalli region. The original deadline for the final report was set for August 31.

"The committee has concluded that more time is essential to finalize the scientific processes involved in geospatial assessment, sensitivity analysis, expert evaluations, field validations, and stakeholder consultations necessary for a comprehensive and credible report," the compliance report stated.

The committee has proposed that the Supreme Court extend the deadline for the final report submission to February 28, 2027.

According to the compliance report, the challenges related to the Aravallis go beyond mere technical delineation and cannot be effectively addressed through a single terrain-based criterion or a singular source of evidence.

Thus, a broader examination of the geological, geomorphological, hydrological, biogeographical, ecological, biodiversity, mineral-resource, and socio-economic aspects of the Aravalli is essential.

The suggested approach, termed the Aravalli Ecosystem Landscape (AEL) framework, aims to identify regions with varying socio-ecological characteristics and guide tailored conservation and management strategies.

This framework could also evaluate the effectiveness of the current regulatory measures in addressing these diverse areas.

The committee has recommended that this framework undergo review and feedback from domain experts and relevant stakeholders.

Importantly, the panel conducted field visits for direct assessment of the Aravallis from August 6 to August 11, during which public hearings were held.

As of August 26, the committee had received around 680 representations through both electronic and physical submissions, as noted in its compliance report.