Gurugram, Aug. 12 -- Environmentalists, conservationists and government officials on Tuesday called for stronger protection of the Aravalli ecosystem during a stakeholder consultation organised by a High Powered Committee (HPC) constituted by the Supreme Court to examine the definition and scientific delineation of the Aravalli range. The meeting, chaired by committee chairperson Kanchan Devi at the PWD Rest House in Gurugram, was attended by representatives from Haryana, environmental groups and subject experts. The committee had also visited several sites in Gurugram and Faridabad on August 6 as part of its field assessment. Raj Kumar, conservator of forest and the stakeholder for the consultation process, said stakeholders had been invited to submit their views and suggestions, which would be examined before the committee prepares its final report for submission to the Supreme Court. "We have noted down the suggestions and opinions shared by stakeholders. Further consultations will also be held, and the high-powered committee will prepare its report based on the submissions and technical assessments," Kumar said. A key issue was the methodology for defining the Aravalli range. Some participants suggested using GIS mapping, remote sensing, hydrology, topography and ecological parameters, while several environmentalists questioned the need to redefine the range. Environmentalist Vaishali Rana said, "The Aravallis are not just hills; they are the ecological lifeline of the NCR. They recharge groundwater, support wildlife and act as a natural barrier against dust and pollution. Any exercise to define them must strengthen their protection, not weaken it." Environmentalist Sangeeta Nayyar said, "The focus should remain on conserving forests, wildlife corridors and water bodies and ensuring that development does not come at the cost of this fragile ecosystem." Tripty Arya of Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology was also present at the consultation and voiced concerns over the rapid loss of green cover in Haryana and increasing construction in the Aravalli region. "Haryana has lost 2.5 sq km of green cover in just two years... There needs to be a detailed assessment of the flats and farmhouses already built in the Aravallis, as well as proposals for further construction," she said. The HPC will evaluate the submissions and prepare recommendations for the SC....