- By Nidhi Giri
- Mon, 29 Dec 2025 08:23 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Aravalli Dispute: Amid growing concerns, controversies, protests, and criticism from environmentalists and Opposition parties regarding the definition of the Aravalli Range, the Supreme Court has decided to take suo motu cognizance of the matter and rehear it. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant will hear the case on Monday.
In addition to the CJI, the bench may also include Justices JK Maheshwari and Augustine George. The bone of contention is the Centre's new definition of the Aravalli range, which is based on a 100-metre height criterion. Environmentalists say this uniform criterion could exclude nearly 90 per cent of the ancient Aravalli range, spread across Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, from the "Aravalli" category, paving the way for mining activities there.
Mining Leases Banned
Earlier on November 20, the Supreme Court, accepting a uniform and scientific definition of the Aravalli Range, banned the granting of new mining leases in areas within its boundaries in Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. This ban will remain in effect until the expert report is released.
Definition Of Aravalli Given By Centre And Accepted By SC
The Supreme Court has accepted the recommendations of a committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. According to the committee, any landform located in the Aravalli district that is 100 metres or more above the local ground level will be considered "Aravalli Hills." Two or more such hills located within a distance of 500 metres will be called the "Aravalli Range."
Environmentalists Raise Concerns About Increased Mining In Aravalli Region
According to news agency ANI, environmentalist Neelam Ahluwalia, associated with the Aravalli Heritage People's Campaign, called the definition "completely unacceptable" and urged the Supreme Court to reverse its November 20 order and ask the Centre to repeal the new definition. She alleged that the change was made without adequate scientific study and public consultation. She said there can be no concept of "sustainable mining" in a sensitive mountain ecosystem like the Aravallis.
Environmentalists' main objection is that the altitude-based definition ignores the Aravallis' complex and ancient geomorphological structure. They argue that this will have serious implications for water security, food security, and climate balance, which are linked to the lives of millions of people. Furthermore, the government's claim that the new definition will affect only two per cent of the area is being questioned, as no concrete data has been released.
Why Is SC Not Assessing CEC's Recommendation?
Critics also pointed out that the Supreme Court's Central Empowered Committee (CEC) had recommended a comprehensive environmental impact assessment of the entire Aravalli range in March 2024, which has not been done yet.
Environmentalists claim that legal and illegal mining is already underway in 37 districts of the Aravalli region, leading to deforestation, depletion of groundwater levels, pollution of rivers and health hazards.
Environmental organisations are demanding that mining be halted until independent scientific assessments and public consultations are carried out, and that it be clarified how much area will actually be protected under the new definition compared to the old forest survey norms.