GURGAON: Supreme Court-appointed high powered committee (HPC) on Thursday began its crucial field survey of the Aravalis with an inspection of Mangar Bani, where members underlined the need for stronger legal protection for the ecologically significant sacred grove.The committee – which is carrying out the exercise to help define what scientifically and legally constitutes the Aravali range – spent nearly two hours at Mangar Bani discussing its biodiversity, hydrological importance and ecological value.According to sources, members noted that despite being regarded as one of the most pristine forest patches in the northern Aravalis and remaining a no-construction zone, the grove is yet to receive formal statutory protection.“The committee appreciated the ecological significance of Mangar Bani and there was considerable discussion on why such an important forest still lacks stronger legal protection,” a source said.The inspection marks the first phase of a court-mandated exercise that could significantly influence how the Aravalis are identified, protected and regulated across Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan. Constituted under Supreme Court’s May 25 order in a matter related to the definition of the Aravali hills and ranges, the committee has been asked to submit its report by Aug 31.The panel is conducting field surveys across the three states before recommending a scientific and legally sustainable framework for identifying the Aravalis. The exercise assumes importance because there is no universally accepted regulatory definition of the range despite broad scientific agreement on its geological identity. Differing interpretations over the years have complicated conservation efforts as well as decisions on mining and development.Before the scheduled visit, the committee informed the state govt that the survey would provide a “first-hand assessment of the ecological, geological, hydrological, biodiversity, mining, land-use and socio-economic aspects of the Aravali landscape”. The findings will guide its recommendations on the range’s identification, ecological integrity and long-term conservation.Besides Mangar Bani, the committee inspected Asola and Gurgaon Nagar Van before proceeding with its multi-state survey.
