The Supreme Court of India has directed the High-Powered Committee (HPC) tasked with examining the definition, delineation, and protection of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges to submit its final report by November 30, 2026, rejecting its request for a six-month extension.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant declined the Committee’s plea to extend the deadline until February 2027. The Court observed that the issue has already witnessed significant delays and stressed the need for expeditious completion of the exercise. The Bench reportedly remarked that the Committee should “work day and night” to meet the revised deadline.
The Committee was constituted by the Supreme Court earlier in 2026 to independently review issues surrounding the scientific definition and environmental protection of the Aravalli range. The exercise gained importance following concerns that previous criteria, including a 100-metre elevation threshold, could exclude large portions of the ecologically sensitive region from regulatory protection.
While refusing the extension, the Court directed the Committee to ensure a broad consultative process involving all stakeholders. Particular emphasis was placed on hearing tribal communities in Rajasthan and Gujarat, whose livelihoods and interests may be affected by any future regulatory framework governing the Aravalli landscape.
The Bench also permitted the Committee to submit interim reports on specific issues requiring urgent judicial consideration. This would enable the Court to address pressing concerns without waiting for the completion of the final report.
The Aravalli range, one of the world's oldest mountain systems, plays a critical ecological role in preventing desertification, preserving biodiversity, and maintaining groundwater levels across northwestern India. The ongoing proceedings stem from concerns over inconsistent definitions of the Aravallis across states such as Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi, which have contributed to regulatory gaps and environmental disputes, particularly concerning mining activities.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on December 2, 2026, after the Committee submits its findings. The Court's latest direction signals judicial urgency in resolving the long-standing controversy surrounding the protection and demarcation of the Aravalli ecosystem.