Scientists, environmentalists, policy experts express concern over panel on Aravallis appointed by SC

Aravalli Hills as seen from the Sun Temple at Galta ji, Jaipur. File | Photo credit: PTI

Scientists, leading environmental and policy experts and other stakeholders from across India have written to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) raising questions about the composition of a high-powered expert panel appointed by the Supreme Court to review the Centre’s report on the definition and delimitation of the Aravalli Range.

The letters, written on Thursday (June 18, 2026) and Friday (June 19, 2026), call for changes to the committee’s composition, citing concerns about its independence.

The committee, set up by a Supreme Court order on May 25, is headed by Kanchan Devi, director general of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, and has been directed to submit its report by August 31.

Her other jury members are Dr. Subhash Ashutosh, former Director General of Forest Survey of India; Dr. Rajendra Kumar Sharma, former Director, Geological Survey of India; Brij Mohan Singh Rathore, former Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Environment; and Professor Ashok K. Bhatnagar, former Head of the Department of Botany, University of Delhi.

The court also appointed Professor Jagdish Krishnaswamy of the Indian Institute of Human Settlements, Bengaluru, and Professor Laxmikant Sharma of the Central University of Haryana as special invitees who can be engaged by the Chairman in the committee’s work if necessary.

The Ministry of Environment has been directed to appoint an officer of the rank of director to act as secretary to the member of the panel.

In one of the letters, environmentalist and social scientist, Dr. Ravi Chopra expressed doubts about the panel’s ability to provide independent written opinions on contentious issues, noting that almost all its members are serving or retired government officials.

Referring to his experience as chairman of two Supreme Court-appointed committees, Mr. Chopra wrote that in his experience, serving and retired government officials and scientists from government-funded institutions “never voted against the views of the government in power”, despite expressing contrary views during discussions.

In a separate letter, environment and policy expert Sagar Dhara cited examples of previous Supreme Court-appointed High Power Committees (HPCs) headed by eminent scientists and experts from independent fields.

“Eminent physicist Professor MGK Menon was appointed in 1997 as the head of the HPC set up to formulate a comprehensive regulatory framework for hazardous waste management. The matter relating to the protection and conservation of the Aravallis requires a similar approach where the selection of members, including the chairman, should not be restricted to serving or retired government officials,” he added.

Meanwhile, Samita Kaur, an environmentalist from Punjab, called for the appointment of those committee members who have expertise in health issues, occupational issues including traditional livelihood, ecology, wildlife, hydrology etc.

Published – 20 Jun 2026 09:18 IST