2 weeks ago
Aravalli Mapping Dispute Highlights India’s Poor Environmental Performance
The Aravallis are an important landscape whose boundaries are being studied.
A committee chosen by the Supreme Court visited several places to help define and map the range.
Environmental groups say the committee did not visit villages affected by mining.
They also say the committee did not properly talk with local communities.
The visits took place from 6 to 11 August in Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan.
The committee is expected to submit its report by 31 August.
The report could influence rules related to the Aravallis.
At the same time, a separate environmental ranking placed India 176th out of 177 countries.
Environmentalists and social activists say the Supreme Court-appointed committee failed to visit mining-affected villages or meaningfully consult affected communities.
The committee surveyed locations including Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, Mangar Bani and Aravali Biodiversity Park from 6 to 11 August.
The field visit covered Delhi-NCR before continuing into Rajasthan, according to the Aravalli Virasat Jan Abhiyaan.
The committee is expected to submit its report on defining the Aravallis by 31 August.
India ranked 176th among 177 countries in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index developed by Yale and Columbia researchers.
- Who
- A Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee, environmentalists, social activists and the Aravalli Virasat Jan Abhiyaan are involved; Yale and Columbia researchers produced the EPI.
- What
- The committee surveyed parts of the Aravallis while activists questioned its consultations, and India ranked 176th in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index.
- Where
- The committee visited sites in Delhi-NCR before moving into Rajasthan.
- When
- The field survey took place from 6 to 11 August, with the report due by 31 August; the EPI ranking is for 2026.
- Why
- The committee is tasked with defining and mapping the Aravallis, while the EPI ranking has prompted scrutiny of India’s environmental record.
Key facts
- Committee task
- Define and map the Aravallis under a Supreme Court-appointed process.
- Field survey dates
- 6 August to 11 August.
- Sites mentioned
- Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, Mangar Bani and Aravali Biodiversity Park.
- Survey locations
- Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan.
- Report deadline
- 31 August.
- India’s EPI ranking
- 176th out of 177 countries in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index.
- EPI developers
- Researchers at Yale and Columbia.
Sources
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