EnvironmentWednesday, 10 June 2026·The Hindu - Environment
Supreme Court sets up expert panel to re-examine Aravalli definition and protection limits
The Supreme Court formed a high-powered committee to independently review the Aravalli definition and submit a report by August 31, 2026.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In June 2026, the Supreme Court constituted a high-powered committee headed by Kanchan Devi, Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), to re-examine the definition and delineation of the Aravalli hill range and submit a report by August 31, 2026.
Key specifics
- The committee is headed by Kanchan Devi, DG of ICFRE.
- The report deadline fixed by the Supreme Court is August 31, 2026.
- The Court had earlier stayed an October 2025 report on December 29.
- One issue is whether the 500-metre threshold between hills narrows protected Aravalli territory.
- The Court noted the figure 1,048 out of Rajasthan’s 12,081 hills in the 100-metre criterion discussion.
Exam lens
TNPSC environment and judiciary question type: Aravalli ecosystem, expert committee, and protected-area definition. Remember the dates December 29, October 2025, August 31, 2026, and the 500-metre and 100-metre criteria.