The Supreme Court today said it will constitute an expert committee comprising domain experts to undertake an exhaustive and holistic examination of mining and related issues in the Aravallis. The Court observed that illegal mining can lead to irreversible damage. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi directed Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, amicus curiae K Parameshwar, to suggest in four weeks the names of environmentalists and scientists who have expertise in mining so that an expert body can be constituted to look into the aspects.

 

The bench said that the committee will work under the direction and supervision of the apex court.  The court also extended its order, which kept in abeyance its November 20 directions that accepted a uniform definition of Aravallis hills and ranges. During the hearing, the bench took on record assurance of Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj, appearing for the Rajasthan government, that no such unauthorised mining shall take place.