SC Halts Aravalli Order, Forms Expert Panel for New Definition Review

• The Supreme Court stayed its November 20 judgment on the uniform definition of Aravalli Hills, citing the need for an expert-led environmental impact study.
• The previous order accepted a definition (100m height, 500m range) and banned new mining leases in Aravalli areas across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
• A new high-powered expert committee will be constituted to review the MoEF&CC's recommendations and the Aravalli definition, addressing concerns about conservation and mining.
• The court framed five key questions for the new panel, focusing on potential narrowing of conservation areas and allowing mining in 'gaps'.
• Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav welcomed the decision, confirming the complete ban on new/renewal of mining leases remains in effect.

Why It Matters: SC halts its Aravalli definition order, forming an expert panel to re-evaluate environmental impact and mining rules.