Protests have erupted across the northern part of the country after the Supreme Court issued a new definition for the Aravalli hills – among the planet's most ancient geological formations stretching across the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi.
Under the new definition, accepted by the court following central government suggestions, an Aravalli hill is any geographical feature with a minimum elevation of 100 metres (328 ft) from the adjacent land. Two or more such hills less than half a kilometre of each other, along with the land between them, are deemed to be an Aravalli range.
Ecologists assert that defining Aravalli hills based on elevation potentially excludes many lower, scrub-covered but ecologically critical hills unprotected from quarrying and development.
The central administration, however, maintains that the new definition is designed to enhance oversight and establish consistency and not weaken safeguards.
Why are People Protesting?
Over the past few days, calm demonstrations were held in cities such as Gurugram and Udaipur, led by community members, farmers, environmental activists, and, at times, lawyers and political parties.
An organizing member of a key conservation collective commented that the new definition risks undermining the essential function of the Aravalli range in "halting desert expansion, recharging groundwater and protecting livelihoods" in the northwestern region.
The lower, scrub-covered hills play a vital role in stopping desert creep, boosting water tables and supporting livelihoods as per experts.
"This mountain system should not be defined solely by elevation, but by its ecological, geological and climatic purpose," noted an ecology advocate associated with the campaign to preserve the Aravallis.
He added that, globally, mountains and hill systems are identified by the functions they perform, not by random height benchmarks.
"Any landform that is geologically part of the Aravalli system and plays a critical role in the ecosystem or preventing desertification must be acknowledged as a component of the system, irrespective of its height."
Protesters are calling for that the government delineate Aravalli areas using scientific criteria, encompassing geography, ecology, wildlife connectivity and environmental durability.
One activist warned that the court's new definition could encourage extractive industries, development and business projects, increasing the threat of environmental harm.
Opposition parties have stepped up criticism, cautioning that the new definition might lead to significant environmental degradation.
One political leader said that protecting the Aravallis is "fundamentally linked to Delhi's survival." Another leader described the range the state's "lifeline," stating that without it, "the entire area up to Delhi would have turned into a desert."
Official Position
India's central government has sought to downplay these concerns.
In a recent statement, it said the new definition is meant to strengthen regulation and bring uniformity, adding that a clear, unambiguous definition was required to oversee extraction uniformly across states.
It further stated that the new definition encompasses the whole mountainous region – incorporating slopes, associated landforms, and intervening areas – clearly safeguarding hill clusters and their connections.
The federal environment ministry said it is incorrect to assume that mining will be allowed on all landforms under 100 metres.
The government states areas within the Aravalli hills or ranges are not eligible for new mining leases, while existing ones can continue if they adhere to environmentally sound practices.
It added that mining remains prohibited in core "protected" areas – protected forests, environmentally fragile zones, and wetlands – except for certain essential, national security, and nuclear minerals allowed by law.
The Environment Minister indicated only about 2% of the vast Aravalli range might be open to extraction, and only after detailed studies and official approval.
Nevertheless, many of the demonstrating organizations say that demonstrations will continue and that they are exploring judicial avenues to challenge the court's new definition.
