‘Neither High-Powered Nor Impartial’: Environmentalists Raise Concerns Over Aravalli Review Panel

A group of environmentalists, social activists and community representatives has raised serious concerns over the composition of the Supreme Court-appointed committee tasked with reviewing the Centre's report on the definition and delineation of the Aravalli hill range . In an open letter addressed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant , the group argued that the panel is neither "high-powered" nor "impartial" and does not meet the standards laid down by the apex court itself.

The letter, issued under the banner of Aravalli Virasat Jan Abhiyaan , comes two weeks after the Supreme Court constituted the expert committee to examine the Centre's report and submit its findings by August 31 . The panel is headed by Kanchan Devi , Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) , and includes former officials from key government institutions dealing with forests, geology and environmental governance.

According to the signatories, the committee's composition raises questions about its independence because its chairperson works within a framework linked to the Environment Ministry , whose earlier report is now under review. The group contended that such an arrangement does not satisfy the principles of impartiality and independence highlighted in the Supreme Court's suo motu order issued in December 2025.

The activists also argued that the new committee is lower in rank and authority than the earlier panel led by the Environment Ministry's secretary. They maintained that any body reviewing a previous report should possess greater expertise and institutional standing than the one whose conclusions are being reassessed.

Calling for a broader and more balanced panel, the letter urged the inclusion of environmentalists, ecologists, hydrologists, scientists, public health experts and livelihood specialists . It said a comprehensive evaluation of the Aravalli ecosystem requires expertise that extends beyond government administration, particularly when examining the environmental and social costs of mining and related activities.

At a press conference held to release the letter, Sadhna Meena , a Bhil Adivasi leader from southern Rajasthan, questioned the committee's ability to complete meaningful consultations within the existing timeline. She said engaging with mining-affected communities across the Aravalli region and assessing ground realities would require considerably more time.

The group has therefore urged the Supreme Court to reconsider the committee's composition and extend the reporting deadline, arguing that the future of one of India's most ecologically significant mountain ranges deserves a more inclusive and comprehensive review process.