SC Halts Aravalli Order, Demands New Expert Panel on Mining Definition

• Supreme Court stayed its previous order on the new definition of the Aravalli mountain range.
• A new expert committee will be formed to re-examine the definition and its potential environmental impact, replacing a bureaucrat-heavy panel.
• Notices issued to Central Government and states Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Gujarat; next hearing on January 21.
• Activists and scientists raised concerns that the previous definition could lead to increased illegal mining in fragile areas.
• Centre imposed a complete ban on new mining leases in Aravalli on Christmas Day; existing mines must follow strict environmental rules.

Why It Matters: SC paused its Aravalli order, forming a new expert panel to ensure environmental protection from mining.