New Delhi – In a big relief for people worried about the future of the Aravalli hills, the Supreme Court today put on hold its own order from November 20 that had set a new way to define these ancient hills. A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant took up the matter on its own and said the earlier definition will not be used for now. The court has asked for a fresh review and fixed the next hearing for January 21, 2026.
The November order had accepted a government suggestion to call only those parts of the hills that rise 100 metres or more above the surrounding ground as Aravalli hills. Many people feared this would leave most of the 700-km long hill chain without strong protection, opening the door for more mining and building work. Environmental groups said up to 90 per cent of the range could lose safeguards, speeding up desert spread, water shortage, and air pollution in north India.
What Happened in Court Today
The three-judge bench, including Justices J K Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih, heard the case after the court itself decided to look into the issue last week. Chief Justice Surya Kant pointed out that some parts of the November order were being misunderstood and needed clear explanation. He said there are important questions about how the new definition works across different areas.
The court put the entire November 20 order in abeyance, meaning it cannot be followed until more study is done. Notices were sent to the central government and states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi. No new mining leases can be given in the meantime, as already ordered earlier.
Why the November Order Caused Worry
The Aravalli hills are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, stretching about 692 km from Delhi to Gujarat. They act like a green wall that stops the Thar Desert from moving east. These hills help recharge groundwater, control dust storms, and keep the air cleaner in the National Capital Region (NCR). They also support many plants, animals, and local communities.
For years, illegal mining has damaged large parts of the hills. In the past, the Supreme Court had banned mining in many areas to protect the environment. But different states used different rules to define what counts as Aravalli hills, leading to confusion.
In November, a bench accepted a committee’s report led by the Environment Ministry. The report said a hill is part of Aravalli only if it stands 100 metres tall from the nearby ground level. Clusters of such hills within 500 metres would form a “range”. The court also said no new mining leases until a full plan for safe mining is ready.
But soon after, protests started in Rajasthan, Haryana, and other places. People walked long distances and held rallies, saying the height rule ignores lower hillocks and slopes that are key for ecology. Experts warned that mining in these areas could drop water levels deeper, increase dust in Delhi’s air, and push the desert closer.
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said the order does not open doors for mining and that over 90 per cent of the area stays protected. He pointed out the ban on new leases and plans for more green cover. But opposition leaders and activists called it a step back.
Reactions from Different Sides
Environmentalist Vikrant Tongad welcomed today’s stay. “This is good news. The Aravallis need protection based on science and their real role, not just height,” he said.
Water expert Rajendra Singh, known as the Waterman of India, had written to the Chief Justice asking for changes to save the hills.
On the other side, the government said the new definition brings uniformity and stops illegal mining better. A ministry note said core areas like forests and wildlife zones remain fully banned for mining, except for some critical minerals.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma accused opposition parties of spreading wrong information for politics.
The Bigger Picture: Why Aravallis Matter So Much
The Aravallis are not just rocks and trees. They stop hot desert winds, hold rain water to fill underground sources, and give home to rare animals like leopards and birds. Without them, Delhi and nearby areas could face more dust storms, worse pollution, and less water.
Studies show mining has already wiped out hills in some districts. Groundwater has fallen to very low levels in many places. If damage continues, experts fear the Thar Desert could reach closer to the Gangetic plains.
The court has now formed a way to look deeper. A high-powered group may study the hills again, using maps and science to decide protected zones.
What Next?
Till January 21, nothing changes on ground from the November order. States must follow old rules and stop illegal mining. The court wants all doubts cleared so the hills get real protection while balancing needs.
People across states are watching closely. Many hope this leads to stronger laws to save one of India’s oldest natural gifts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Aravalli hills range?
The Aravalli is one of the oldest mountain chains in the world, about two billion years old. It runs around 700 km through Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. It is important because it blocks the Thar Desert from spreading east, helps rain water go underground to fill wells and rivers, and supports forests and wildlife.
What did the Supreme Court say on November 20, 2025?
The court accepted a new uniform definition: only landforms rising 100 metres or more above local ground are called Aravalli hills. Groups of such hills close together form a range. It also banned new mining leases until a safe mining plan is made. But many felt this definition leaves most lower hills unprotected.
Why did the court stay its own order today?
There was a lot of confusion and protests. People said the height rule does not cover the full ecological value of the hills. The court agreed some parts need more clarity and put the order on hold for fresh review.
Will mining start now in Aravalli areas?
No. The court has kept the ban on new mining leases. Existing legal mines must follow strict rules. Illegal mining remains banned. The government has also told states not to give any new leases.
How do Aravallis help Delhi-NCR?
They act as a barrier against desert dust and hot winds. They recharge groundwater for millions of people. Damage to hills means more pollution, dust storms, and water shortage in Delhi, Gurugram, and nearby cities.
What do environmentalists want?
They want the whole range protected, not just tall peaks. They ask for science-based mapping that includes slopes, low hills, and wildlife paths. Many say declare it a special ecological zone with no mining.
Is the government supporting mining here?
The government says no. It points to the lease ban and plans for restoration like the Aravalli Green Wall project. Officials say only a very small part can ever have controlled mining for important minerals, with full safeguards.
When will the final decision come?
Next hearing is January 21, 2026. The court may set up a new committee for detailed study and mapping.