New Delhi: The Supreme Court has set a deadline to submit the report to the committee constituted for a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and their correct demarcation. The court has directed the committee to file its final report by November 30, 2026. The committee had asked for time till February 2027 to prepare the report, but the court did not accept this demand.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant, commenting on the committee's demand for additional time, said that it seemed as if the committee was asking for time till his retirement. CJI Surya Kant is scheduled to retire on 9 February. The bench made it clear that now the deadline will not be extended and the committee will have to complete its work within the stipulated period.
If necessary, the committee can give an interim report
The three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant also includes Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohan. The court said that the final report should be filed by November 30. However, if an immediate decision is required on a particular issue, the committee can also submit interim reports on different subjects.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the central government, told the court that the committee has prepared an interim report. However, the Committee felt the need for more time to extensively interact with the stakeholders and hear their objections.
Why is demarcation of Aravali important?
The committee had sought additional time of about six months citing discussions with other affected parties, including tribal communities of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Establishing a clear and uniform definition of Aravali is considered very important for environmental protection and regulation of mining activities in future.
The Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognizance and initiated action in this matter. In May 2026, the court had constituted a five-member high-powered committee. The committee has been given the responsibility of deciding on a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and the entire mountain range, on the basis of which mining activities can be controlled. The Aravalli Range is an important ecological region for north-west India. It plays the role of a natural protective shield between the desert and dry areas and the fertile plains. Now the next hearing of the case will be on December 2.