GURGAON: A Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committee (HPC) will begin an extensive field survey across Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan from Aug 6 to determine what should scientifically and legally qualify as the Aravalis – a crucial step that could shape the future of conservation, mining and development in the eco-sensitive hills.The on-ground exercise will provide the factual basis for the committee’s recommendations to Supreme Court on defining, identifying and protecting one of the country’s oldest mountain systems.Constituted under SC’s May 25 order on “Definition of Aravali Hills and Ranges and Ancillary Issues”, the committee has been asked to submit its report by Aug 31.The inspections mark the next phase of the court-mandated exercise after the panel recently invited suggestions from people.In a July 29 letter to Haryana chief secretary, the committee said the visit 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 are expected to guide its recommendations on the range’s identification, ecological integrity and long-term conservation.The exercise assumes significance because there is no universally accepted regulatory definition of Aravalis, despite broad scientific agreement on their geological identity.Over the years, differing interpretations by authorities have complicated conservation efforts and the regulation of mining and development projects.The debate sharpened after an earlier Union environment ministry committee proposed that, for regulating mining, only hills rising more than 100 metres above the surrounding terrain should be treated as part of Aravalis.The report is expected to carry significant weight in shaping the future legal and policy framework governing the Aravalis, particularly in Haryana.
