Supreme Court to Set Up Expert Committee to Examine Mining Issues in Aravallis
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday said it will constitute an expert committee comprising domain specialists to carry out an exhaustive and holistic examination of mining and related environmental issues in the Aravalli region. The court observed that illegal mining can cause irreversible damage to the fragile ecology of the hills.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, directed Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati and amicus curiae K Parameshwar to suggest, within four weeks, the names of eminent environmentalists and scientists with expertise in mining.
The bench said that the proposed expert committee would function under the direction and supervision of the apex court and would examine all aspects concerning mining activities in the Aravalli Range.
The court also extended its earlier order keeping in abeyance its November 20 directions, which had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges.
During the hearing, the bench took on record the assurance given by Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj, appearing on behalf of the Rajasthan government, that no unauthorised mining would be allowed to take place in the region.
The Supreme Court reiterated the need for strict oversight, noting that unregulated mining poses a serious threat to the environment and the long-term sustainability of the Aravalli ecosystem.
— Hind Samachar News
