Why The Nation's Aravalli Mountain Range Have Become the Epicenter of Increasing Unrest.

Demonstrations have broken out across the northern part of the country after the Supreme Court redefined the Aravalli hills – one of the world's oldest geological formations stretching across the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi.

As per the revised criteria, endorsed by the court based on central government recommendations, an Aravalli hill is any landform rising at least 100 metres (328 ft) above the adjacent land. Two or more such hills less than half a kilometre of each other, combined with the land between them, are deemed to be an Aravalli range.

Environmentalists argue that classifying Aravalli hills by height could leave numerous shorter, vegetation-clad but vitally important hills unprotected from quarrying and development.

The central administration, on the other hand, says that the revised definition is designed to enhance oversight and bring uniformity and not dilute safeguards.

Why are People Protesting?

Recently, peaceful protests occurred in cities such as Gurugram and Udaipur, led by local residents, farmers, environmental activists, and, at times, lawyers and political parties.

An organizing member of a key environmental group commented that the new definition risks undermining the critical role of the Aravalli range in "halting desert expansion, replenishing aquifers 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 must not be categorized by height alone, but by its ecological, geological and climatic role," said an environmental activist associated with the movement to save the Aravallis.

He said that, internationally, mountain ranges are identified by the functions they perform, not by arbitrary elevation thresholds.

"Any feature that is geologically part of the Aravalli system and plays a critical role in the ecosystem or preventing desertification must be acknowledged as part of the range, regardless of its height."

Activists are demanding that the government define Aravalli areas using scientific criteria, encompassing topography, biodiversity, animal corridors and climate resilience.

One activist warned that the court's new definition could encourage extractive industries, development and business projects, heightening the threat of ecological damage.

Political opponents have stepped up criticism, warning that the new definition could cause significant environmental degradation.

A senior politician said that safeguarding the Aravallis is "inseparable from Delhi's survival." A different official described the range the state's "life-support system," adding that without it, "the entire area up to Delhi would have become a desert."

Official Position

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

In a recent statement, it asserted the new definition is meant to bolster governance and create standardization, noting that a single, objective definition was needed to oversee extraction uniformly across states.

It added that the new definition encompasses the whole mountainous region – including 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 permitted on all landforms under 100 metres.

The government states areas inside the Aravalli hills or ranges are excluded from new mining leases, while existing ones can continue if they follow environmentally sound practices.

It noted that mining remains banned in core "protected" areas – protected forests, eco-sensitive zones, and wetlands – aside from certain critical, strategic, and atomic minerals permitted by law.

The Environment Minister indicated only about two percent of the vast Aravalli range could potentially be mined, and only after comprehensive assessments and official approval.

However, many of the protesting groups say that protests will persist and that they are exploring judicial avenues to challenge the court's new definition.