The Aravalli Hills Controversy: A Turning Point for One of India’s Oldest Mountain Ranges

 The Aravalli Hills — one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges stretching across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat — has recently become the center of a heated environmental and political controversy. A new legal definition accepted by the Supreme Court of India and the Government’s response have sparked wide debate, fueling protests, political criticism, and urgent calls from environmentalists to protect this ecologically crucial landscape. 

 What’s the Controversy About?

On November 20, 2025, the Supreme Court of India accepted a uniform definition for what constitutes the Aravalli Hills and Aravalli Range. According to this definition:

• An Aravalli Hill is any landform in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of at least 100 metres above the surrounding local relief.

• An Aravalli Range is defined as a group of two or more such hills located within 500 metres of each other. 

This new criterion differs from earlier interpretations and aims to standardize the classification of Aravalli landforms for legal and environmental management purposes. 

However, this shift has ignited controversy for the following reasons:

 Exclusion of Lower Hills

Environmental activists argue that more than 90% of the traditional Aravalli landscape consists of hills, ridges, hillocks, and slopes that are below 100 metres. These features play vital ecological roles, including:

• Groundwater recharge

• Soil stability

• Forest cover

• Wildlife habitat connectivity

• Acting as a natural barrier against desertification and dust storms
  Their exclusion from the legal definition worries activists who fear these areas may now lose protection. 

 Mining and Development Fears

Many critics claim the new criterion could be exploited by mining and real estate interests, potentially leading to increased excavation and land degradation. This concern is backed by protests under slogans like #SaveAravalli, especially in regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the National Capital Region (NCR). 

 Political Debate

Senior political figures have sharply criticized the decision. For example, prominent opposition leaders have accused the current government of tilting environmental policy in favor of mining interests and undermining decades of conservation efforts.

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🇮🇳 Government’s Clarification and Response

In response to the uproar, the Union Government and the Environment Ministry have issued several clarifications:

 Protection of 90% Area

The Centre has repeatedly stated that over 90% of the Aravalli region will remain protected under the new definition and legal framework. It has also emphasized that no new mining leases will be permitted in ecologically sensitive, core, and protected areas without strict scrutiny and approval. 

 Mining Restrictions

According to the government:

• Only about 0.19% to 2% of the Aravalli area might be eligible for mining under tightly regulated conditions.

• Mining remains banned in the Delhi Aravalli zones and other sensitive regions.

• A comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining will be prepared before any activity is permitted.  

 Conservation Plan Underway

The Environment Minister has announced plans for a district-wise conservation strategy developed with expert institutes like the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to enhance ecological protection and restoration efforts. 

 Why the Aravallis Matter Ecologically

The Aravalli Hills are a critical lifeline for North and West India. Their ecological importance includes:

 Groundwater Recharge

The hills help trap rainwater and allow it to percolate into underground aquifers, replenishing water supplies crucial for farms and cities.

 Biodiversity & Wildlife

The range hosts multiple wildlife sanctuaries and supports a variety of flora and fauna adapted to dry deciduous forests.

 Climate and Dust Barrier

By breaking wind flow from the Thar Desert, the Aravallis help prevent dust storms and extreme temperatures from sweeping into the Indo-Gangetic plains and NCR.

 Soil Conservation

The hills help prevent soil erosion and maintain landscape stability, which is vital for agriculture and rural livelihoods.

Losing or degrading these functions due to misclassification or exploitation could have long-term consequences for millions of people and ecosystems. 

Public Reaction & Protests

The debate has spilled out onto the streets and digital spaces:

• Mass protests and sit-ins have taken place in cities such as Jaipur, Udaipur, and Kotputli, where activists and citizens demand stronger protection. 

• Online campaigns with hashtags like #SaveAravalli and #ProtectNature have gained traction. 

• Tribal communities and indigenous groups have pledged to protect their ancestral lands from degradation.

 Key Impacts and Concerns

 Legal Classification

The dispute has highlighted the importance of precise environmental definitions in law — especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable landscapes.

 Environmental Risk

If areas below 100 metres lose legal protection, there may be increased vulnerability to:

• Deforestation

• Soil loss

• Water table depletion

• Expansion of desert-like conditions

• Increased particulate pollution in urban centres like Delhi

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 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What exactly changed in the legal definition of Aravalli Hills?

A: The Supreme Court accepted a definition that requires hills to be at least 100 metres above local relief to count as Aravalli Hills. 

Q2: Does this mean mining is now allowed everywhere?

A: No. The government has clarified that mining will remain tightly regulated and prohibited in core and sensitive zones, and a full management plan must be developed first.

Q3: Why are environmentalists still worried?

A: Many smaller lands, hills, and slopes under 100 metres play significant ecological roles, and their exclusion from the definition could leave them vulnerable to development.

Q4: How much of the Aravalli area is protected?

A: The Centre claims over 90% of the region remains protected. 

Q5: What can citizens do to help?

A: Support awareness campaigns, advocate for broader ecological protections, and engage with policymakers to ensure sustainable strategies that don’t undermine environmental health.