The Reason India's Aravalli Mountain Range Are at the Centre of Growing Demonstrations.

Protests have erupted across northern India after the Supreme Court issued a new definition for the Aravalli hills – among the planet's most ancient geological formations spanning the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi.

According to the fresh parameters, accepted by the court following central government suggestions, an Aravalli hill is any landform rising at least 100 metres (328 ft) above the surrounding terrain. Two or more such hills less than half a kilometre of each other, combined with the land between them, are classified as an Aravalli range.

Conservationists contend that classifying Aravalli hills by height could leave numerous shorter, vegetation-clad but ecologically critical hills vulnerable to mining and construction.

The federal government, on the other hand, maintains that the new definition is meant to enhance oversight and bring uniformity and not dilute protections.

What is Sparking the Demonstrations?

This weekend, calm demonstrations took place in cities such as Gurugram and Udaipur, organized by local residents, farmers, green 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 "preventing desertification, replenishing aquifers and safeguarding local economies" in the northwestern region.

The lower, scrub-covered hills play a vital role in stopping desert creep, recharging groundwater and sustaining communities according to experts.

"The Aravalli range must not be categorized by height alone, but by its ecological, geological and climatic purpose," noted an environmental activist involved in the movement to preserve the Aravallis.

He added that, globally, mountain ranges are classified by the roles they play, not by random height benchmarks.

"Any feature that is geologically part of the Aravalli system and serves a vital purpose in the ecosystem or combating desertification should be recognised as a component of the system, regardless of its height."

Activists are demanding that the government define Aravalli areas using scientific criteria, encompassing geography, ecology, animal corridors and environmental durability.

A campaigner cautioned that the court's new definition might promote extractive industries, development and business projects, increasing the risk of ecological damage.

Political opponents have stepped up criticism, warning that the new definition might lead to serious ecological damage.

A senior politician declared that protecting the Aravallis is "inseparable from Delhi's survival." A different official called the range the state's "lifeline," adding that without it, "the entire area up to Delhi would have become a desert."

Official Position

India's central government has sought to downplay these apprehensions.

In a recent communication, it said the new definition is meant to bolster governance and bring uniformity, noting that a clear, unambiguous definition was required to regulate mining uniformly across states.

It further stated that the new definition covers the whole mountainous region – including slopes, associated landforms, and intervening areas – explicitly protecting hill clusters and their connections.

The federal environment ministry clarified it is incorrect to assume that mining will be permitted 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 follow environmentally sound practices.

It added that mining remains prohibited in core "inviolate" areas – protected forests, eco-sensitive zones, and wetlands – except for certain essential, national security, and nuclear minerals permitted by law.

The Environment Minister said only about 2% of the vast Aravalli range might be open to extraction, and only after comprehensive assessments and official approval.

However, many of the demonstrating organizations say that protests will persist and that they are exploring legal options to challenge the court's new definition.