Kanchan Devi Committee and Aravalli Range Protection
#GS-2 #GS-3 #Indian Polity & Constitution #Governance & Social Justice #Environment #Conservation #Biodiversity #Judiciary #Good Governance #Supreme Court
Why in News
- The Supreme Court appointed a panel led by Kanchan Devi on 25 May 2026 to review earlier rulings about the Aravalli Range.
- Environmental experts and former officials now want this committee to be restructured because of several serious concerns.
About Kanchan Devi Committee
- This committee examines the current rules for protecting the Aravalli Range.
- It suggests steps for environmental conservation and better forest demarcation.
- It also recommends sustainable land-use management to protect the ecosystem.
Challenges
- Critics point out that the panel lacks independent specialists in ecology, hydrology, GIS, wildlife conservation, and public health.
- The committee functions within the same administrative setup that previously defined the Aravalli boundaries, creating a conflict of interest.
- Serving and retired officials dominate the membership instead of multidisciplinary scientific experts.
- Experts who understand the local mining and ecological challenges of Haryana and Rajasthan have very little representation.
- People worry that protection policies cannot change before finishing forest identification under the Godavarman framework.
Significance and Implications
- The suggestions from this panel will shape the future protection of one of India's oldest mountain ranges.
- The Aravallis help recharge groundwater, protect biodiversity, and stop the spread of deserts.
- The committee decisions will decide future rules on mining, stone quarrying, and real-estate growth.
- This debate shows why independent scientific experts must guide environmental decisions.