Supreme Court's New Aravalli Definition Triggers Protests From Delhi to Rajasthan

New Delhi: A recent change in how the Aravalli mountain range is defined has set off a sharp debate from Delhi and Haryana to Rajasthan. At the centre of the row is a Supreme Court-backed decision that says only hills at least 100 metres tall will now automatically qualify as part of the Aravalli range. 

This may sound technical. But activists and experts worry it could strip legal protection from much of the range, especially the lower-height hills and forests that make up most of it. 

What's the controversy?

In November, the Supreme Court accepted a "standard definition" proposed by the Central government to identify what qualifies as the Aravalli Hills.

The court said that only hills meeting the 100-metre height threshold would qualify as Aravallis for regulatory purposes. The court also asked the government to carefully map the region and prepare a clear management plan, including the rules for regulated mining. 

Why is the Aravalli range so important?

The Aravalli Hills stretch across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi, forming one of the world's oldest mountain systems. They help recharge groundwater, block desert spread from the west, and support rich forest and wildlife. 

In many parts of Delhi-NCR, these hills act as a natural buffer against dust storms and heat. Without adequate protection, locals worry about worsening water shortages, hotter summers and air pollution.

Who is opposing the new definition?

Environmental groups, activists and some political leaders have launched a "Save Aravalli" campaign across social media and on the ground. They say the new rule will leave as much as 90 per cent of the range without safeguards, especially in Rajasthan where most hills are below the 100-metre mark. 

Protesters have taken to streets in some towns and villages. Some critics even call the move a threat to ecology and water security across North India. 

What does the government say?

The Union Environment ministry and the Centre have defended the new definition. Officials say it brings clarity and uniformity across states and dismiss claims that the decision will lead to mass mining. 

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said that no new mining leases will be granted in core, protected or ecologically sensitive zones, including the National Capital Region.

He also assured that the mountain range remains under robust ecological protection as mining activity will only be allowed in a mere "0.19 per cent of the area."

On Monday, Yadav in an interview with news agency ANI said, "Mining activity in the Aravalli range will only be possible in 0.19 per cent of the area, which is less than one per cent, and even there, no new mines have been opened... This process has been made stricter."

"The main problem in the Aravalli range is illegal mining. To stop illegal mining, the Supreme Court has given this definition, and a review is still pending before it," he added.

The Centre and Environment Ministry insist the change doesn't mean mass mining or development will be allowed unchecked. Officials say that a large part of the Aravalli area remains protected and that any future mining will follow strict scientific and legal review.