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1. The Aravalli Hills and Range (Aravallis), frequently characterised as the ‘green lungs’ of North Western India, have for centuries sustained diverse ecosystems and underpinned the livelihoods of numerous communities. It serves as the indispensable ecological and socio- economic backbone of the region, functioning as the primary fertile Northern plains.

9. We therefore deem it appropriate that prior to the implementation of the Committee’s Report, or the execution of the directions contained in Paragraph 50 of this Court’s judgment dated 20.11.2025, a fair, impartial, independent expert opinion must be obtained and considered, after associating all requisite stakeholders. Such a step is essential to resolve critical ambiguities and to provide definitive guidance on issues such as:

(i) Whether the definition of the ‘Aravalli Hills and Ranges’, restricted exclusively to the 500-meter area between two or more Aravalli Hills, creates a structural paradox wherein the geographical scope of protected territory is significantly narrowed.

meter threshold. Furthermore, in such instances, it must be clarified whether regulated mining would be permissible in these gaps. If so, what precise spatial parameters or lateral width would be utilized to define the extent of the ‘Aravalli Range’ to ensure that ecological continuity is not compromised?

(iv) Whether the widely publicized criticism asserting that only 1,048 hills out of 12,081 in Rajasthan meet the 100-meter elevation threshold, thereby stripping the remaining lower ranges of environmental protection, is factually and scientifically accurate. In the event this assessment correctly identifies a significant regulatory lacuna, it must be determined whether an exhaustive scientific and geological investigation is necessitated. Such an inquiry would involve the precise measurement of all hill and hillock elevations to facilitate a more nuanced and ‘measured’ assessment of the criteria required to maintain the structural and ecological integrity of the entire range.

(iv) An assessment of the areas no longer covered by the definition, specifically whether such exclusion risks their eventual erasure or degradation, thereby compromising the overall ecological integrity of the Aravalli range; and
(v) A multi-temporal evaluation of the short-term and long-term environmental impacts resulting from the implementation of the recommended definition and its associated directions.

11. Let notice be therefore issued to the Union of India and the States of NCT of Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat, returnable on 21.01.2026. The matter is to be listed before the Green Bench on the date fixed. The Learned Attorney General for India, the Solicitor General of India and Mr. K. Parameshwar, Learned Senior Advocate and Amicus Curiae be also requested to assist this Court, along with the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).