Jaipur: The High-Powered Committee (HPC), constituted by the Supreme Court to examine the definition, ecological status, and conservation of the Aravalli Range, will visit Rajasthan’s Vagad region from October 11th to 13th. During this period, the committee will inspect the Paldewal-Sarkan area in Dungarpur district and the Kevadia-Kothara area in Banswara district. Its objective is to assess the ground situation related to mining, forest cover, land use, and livelihoods of local communities, with particular attention to the situation of tribal communities. Prior to this, the committee visited Gujarat’s Aravalli region from October 8th to 10th.
Committee to Assess Ground Situation
During its visit to Rajasthan, the committee will inspect various sites and interact with local residents and other stakeholders. It will examine mining and stone crushing activities, forest cover, water sources, the surrounding environment, current land use practices, and their impacts. It will also assess how mining and land-use activities affect the livelihoods of local people and tribal communities.
The committee will also seek input from environmentalists, experts, mining leaseholders, villagers, farmers, laborers, and representatives of tribal communities. Consultations are planned in the evenings in both districts, with approximately three hours allocated each day for discussions with local people and other stakeholders.
Report to be submitted to the Supreme Court by November 30
On May 25, 2026, the Supreme Court constituted a five-member high-powered committee. It is chaired by the Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). The committee has been tasked with independently examining the previously established definition of the Aravalli Range and the process used to demarcate the hills.
The purpose of this exercise is to assess the ecological characteristics of the Aravalli region and consider concerns related to its conservation. The Supreme Court has directed the committee to submit its detailed report by November 30.
Questions were raised about participation in the first visit
The committee previously conducted a five-day visit to Rajasthan. During that visit, various sites were inspected and stakeholders were consulted. However, concerns were raised about the inadequate participation of villagers and tribal communities during this visit. This led to calls for a second on-the-ground assessment in southern Rajasthan and direct hearings from affected communities.
In its September 7 order, the Supreme Court clarified that the committee must provide adequate opportunities to all stakeholders, especially tribal communities from Rajasthan and Gujarat, to present their views. It is expected that the committee will also incorporate the views and experiences of these communities in its final report.
Field inspection to be held on October 11 and 12
As per the proposed schedule, the committee will inspect the Paldewal-Sarkan area of Dungarpur district on October 11. This will be followed by discussions with stakeholders. On October 12th, the Kevadia-Kothara area of Banswara district will be inspected and local communities will be interacted with. October 13th will be the final day of the Rajasthan tour.
The Rajasthan government has activated the Forest Department and local officials in preparation for the tour. A senior Forest Department official will be assigned the role of field coordinator. The Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) of Dungarpur and Banswara and other field officers will accompany the committee during the inspection.
The tour is expected to provide a better understanding of the environmental situation in the Aravalli region, mining-related problems, and the socio-economic conditions of local communities. The committee’s findings will be part of a comprehensive report on the definition, demarcation, and conservation of the Aravalli Range.