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New definition triggers widespread demonstrations
Protests have broken out across northern India after the Supreme Court adopted a revised definition of the Aravalli hills, a geological formation stretching across Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and the national capital, Delhi.
Court sets height-based criteria
The Supreme Court accepted federal government recommendations, defining an Aravalli hill as any landform rising at least 100 metres (328 feet) above the surrounding terrain. Under the new rules, two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other, including the land between them, qualify as an Aravalli range.
Environmentalists warn of ecological risks
Critics argue the height-based definition excludes lower, scrub-covered hills that play a crucial role in preventing desertification, recharging groundwater, and supporting local livelihoods. Environmentalists say the move could leave these areas vulnerable to mining and construction.
"The Aravalli range should not be defined by height alone, but by its ecological, geological, and climatic role," said Vikrant Tongad, an environmental activist involved in the movement to protect the Aravallis.
Vikrant Tongad, Environmental Activist
Tongad added that international standards typically classify mountains and hill systems based on their ecological functions rather than arbitrary elevation thresholds.
Protests and political backlash
Over the weekend, peaceful demonstrations took place in cities like Gurugram and Udaipur, led by local residents, farmers, environmental activists, lawyers, and political parties. Protesters are demanding that the government adopt scientific criteria-including geography, ecology, wildlife connectivity, and climate resilience-to define Aravalli areas.
Opposition parties have joined the criticism. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav warned that protecting the Aravallis is "inseparable from Delhi's survival," while Rajasthan Congress leader Tika Ram Jully called the range the state's "lifeline," stating that without it, "the entire area up to Delhi would have turned into a desert."
Government defends new definition
The federal government has sought to ease concerns, stating that the new definition aims to strengthen regulation and ensure uniformity across states. In a statement released Sunday, officials clarified that the definition covers entire hill systems, including slopes, associated landforms, and intervening areas, explicitly protecting hill clusters and their connections.
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said only about 2% of the 147,000-square-kilometre Aravalli range could potentially be mined, and only after detailed studies and official approval. The government also emphasized that mining remains banned in core "inviolate" areas, such as protected forests, eco-sensitive zones, and wetlands, except for certain critical minerals permitted by law.
Activists vow to continue resistance
Despite government assurances, protesting groups say demonstrations will persist, and they are exploring legal options to challenge the court's decision. Neelam Ahluwalia, founder of the People for Aravallis group, warned that the new definition could undermine the range's role in "preventing desertification, recharging groundwater, and protecting livelihoods" in northwest India.
