Gurgaon: A citizens’ collective has urged the Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committee (HPC) on Aravali range to widen its ongoing public consultation process.People for Aravalis has alleged that the current mechanism is neither inclusive nor adequate to gather views from communities living across the hill range.In a representation submitted to the committee on Wednesday, the group said the consultation process initiated through HPC’s July 21 note does not meet the spirit of SC’s May 25 order, which had directed that “a fair, impartial, independent expert opinion” be obtained “after associating all requisite stakeholders”.The issue assumes significance because it concerns the proposed definition of Aravali range, which will determine the extent of legal protection available to the ecologically sensitive hills.The representation comes a day before the committee begins its field visit to parts of Aravali range from Aug 6. The visit is expected to cover selected locations in Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan.In Oct 2025, Union environment ministry informed SC that only hill formations with a height of 100 metres or more should be treated as part of the Aravalis for regulatory purposes, a proposal that drew objections from environmental groups, who argued that it could exclude large stretches of the ancient hill system from protection.SC subsequently constituted HPC to examine the issue and submit its recommendations after consulting stakeholders.People for Aravalis, which is an intervenor in SC’s suo motu proceedings on the Aravalis, alleged that information about the consultation had not reached affected rural communities across the Aravali landscape.Advocate Kriti Bhatia, appearing on behalf of the group, said, “Even village-level representatives in several Aravali districts were unaware that the committee had invited public comments.”“It was not prominently displayed on the websites of SC, Union environment ministry or local govt offices such as gram panchayats, SDM offices, forest department offices and biodiversity management committees,” she said.The group also said no newspaper notices had been issued and called for wider dissemination through radio, social media and WhatsApp.Another key concern raised by the collective is the mode of submission. The committee has invited responses through email and an online Google Form.Mamraj, a farmer from Rajasthan’s Sikar district associated with the group, said the process effectively excludes many villagers, pastoralists and mine workers who lack internet access, email accounts or digital literacy.The representation urged the committee to also allow postal submissions, oral depositions and in-person consultations with affected communities. It recommended that doctors and public health professionals from Aravali districts be consulted to assess the health impacts of mining and related activities.The group also questioned the 21-day window provided for submitting responses, saying it was insufficient, particularly during the monsoon season when many rural communities are engaged in agricultural work and religious events, and face communication disruptions.Sadhna Meena, a Bhil Adivasi from Rajasthan’s Udaipur district and a member of the collective, demanded that the committee issue a fresh public notice and extend the deadline for comments to ensure wider participation.The representation expressed concern that the consultation process may largely receive responses from stakeholders such as mining operators and project proponents who regularly access environment ministry’s website, while communities directly affected by environmental degradation remain excluded.The group also questioned the proposed field itinerary of HPC, saying media reports indicate that visits are planned in only 10 districts, including Gurgaon, Faridabad, Kotputli, Sikar, Alwar, Jaipur, Ajmer, Sirohi and Udaipur.Vishwas Tanwar, a lawyer associated with People for Aravalis, argued that limiting consultations to a handful of districts would overlook much of the Aravali landscape spread across multiple states.Drawing comparisons with earlier consultation exercises such as the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, the group said meaningful public participation requires extensive field consultations, local hearings, advance public notice and transparent disclosure of consultation records.It urged HPC to hold consultations at least at the district level across all Aravali districts and provide advance public notice of future field visits so affected communities can participate.
