The Supreme Court has set a new rule for what counts as Aravalli Hills. Now, only landforms that rise at least 100 metres above the surrounding area will be called Aravalli Hills. This change came in a judgment on November 20, 2025. Many people worry that this will remove protection from most of the hills, opening them up for mining and building work.
The Aravalli range is one of the oldest mountain systems in the world. It stretches about 700 kilometres across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. These hills act like a natural wall. They stop dust from the Thar Desert from reaching Delhi and other areas. They also help recharge groundwater and support many animals and plants.
Why Did the Supreme Court Make This Change?
For years, different states and agencies used different ways to define Aravalli Hills. This caused confusion in rules about mining and protection. The court formed a committee with experts from the Environment Ministry, Forest Survey of India, and others. The committee suggested this 100-metre rule to make things uniform and scientific.
The court accepted it. It said an “Aravalli Hill” is any landform in listed districts that is 100 metres or more above the local ground level. If two or more such hills are within 500 metres of each other, they form an “Aravalli Range”. The slopes and nearby areas of these hills are also protected.
The court also stopped new mining leases in the Aravalli areas until a full plan for sustainable mining is ready. Existing mines can continue if they follow rules. The government has to make a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining with help from experts.
What Do the Numbers Say About the Impact?
Data from the Forest Survey of India shows a big worry. Out of more than 12,000 mapped hills in the region, only about 1,048 – that is just 8.7 per cent – are 100 metres or taller. This means nearly 90 per cent of the hills may no longer get full protection under forest laws.
Many experts say this breaks the chain of hills. Even smaller hills play a key role. They help hold water, stop soil from washing away, and give home to wildlife like leopards, hyenas, and many birds.
Voices of Concern from Leaders and Experts
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has strongly opposed the ruling. He said, “The Aravalli is not just a mountain range for Rajasthan; it is our protective shield.” He called the new definition a “red carpet for illegal mining” and warned it could lead to more droughts and water crisis in north-west India. Gehlot added that history will not forgive this damage to future generations. He urged the court to rethink the decision.
Environmentalists agree. They say removing protection from smaller hills will worsen Delhi’s air pollution and dust storms. One expert said the hills act as “lungs” for the Delhi-NCR area by trapping dust and helping rain.
Sonia Gandhi from Congress called it a “death warrant” for the hills. Many activists have started the #SaveAravalli campaign on social media.
Government’s Stand on Protection
The Environment Ministry says the new rule is practical and based on science. It brings uniformity across states. The ministry has also launched the Aravalli Green Wall Project to plant trees and restore water bodies in a 5-km buffer around the range.
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has spoken about reviving the Aravallis through bans on single-use plastic, water conservation, and protection of natural resources. He has called for everyone – government, people, and groups – to work together to restore the hills.
The court noted that total bans on mining sometimes lead to illegal activities. So, it wants regulated mining in some areas, with strict no-mining zones for sensitive spots.
The Bigger Role of Aravalli Hills
The Aravalli hills are billions of years old. They stop the Thar Desert from spreading east. Rainwater seeps into the rocky ground and fills underground water sources. This water feeds rivers like Luni, Sabarmati, and Chambal. It helps farmers in dry areas.
The hills have rich wildlife. You can find leopards, jackals, peacocks, and many rare plants. But over years, illegal mining has destroyed many hills. In some places, 31 hills vanished in 50 years. Forest cover has dropped a lot.
In Haryana, forest cover is already low at about 3.6 per cent. Experts fear it will fall more. Groundwater levels have dropped sharply in mined areas.
What Happens Next?
The court has asked for a detailed plan to mark no-mining zones, wildlife paths, and restoration areas. No new mines until this plan is done.
People hope this plan will balance needs. But many want the court to look again at the 100-metre rule. They say ecology should come first, not just height.
The fight to save Aravalli continues. Citizens, leaders, and experts are raising their voice. The hills are not just rocks – they are a lifeline for millions in north India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the new Supreme Court definition of Aravalli Hills?
The court has ruled that only landforms rising 100 metres or more above the surrounding ground level count as Aravalli Hills. This includes their slopes and nearby land. Groups of such hills within 500 metres form a range. This rule applies in designated districts across four states.
Why was a new definition needed?
Different states used different rules, causing confusion in protecting the hills and controlling mining. The court wanted a clear, uniform, and scientific way to define the range.
How much of the Aravalli will lose protection?
According to Forest Survey of India data, only about 8.7 per cent of mapped hills meet the 100-metre height. So, nearly 90 per cent may not get the same strict protection, though some rules may still apply.
Will mining increase now?
The court has banned new mining leases until a sustainable mining plan is ready. Existing mines can run with rules. But critics fear that areas below 100 metres could see more mining in future.
What is the ecological importance of Aravalli Hills?
These hills block desert dust, recharge groundwater, support rivers, host wildlife, and help control pollution and climate in Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan. Smaller hills are key for this connected system.
Has the government taken any steps to protect Aravalli?
Yes, the Aravalli Green Wall Project aims to create a green belt, restore water bodies, and plant native trees. The ministry is also working on a sustainable mining plan.
What do critics like Ashok Gehlot say?
Gehlot calls it an invitation to ecological destruction and illegal mining. He says it ignores the geological and ecological value, and could worsen water scarcity and desert spread.
Can the ruling be changed?
Some groups may file reviews or new cases. Public campaigns like #SaveAravalli are pushing for rethink.