The Supreme Court on Nov 20 approved recommendations from a committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change regarding the definition of the Aravali Hills and Ranges. The revised definition has sparked protests from Gurugram in Haryana to Udaipur in Rajasthan, as environmentalists warn that the changes could threaten the ecological balance of one of India’s oldest mountain ranges.
In Gurugram, a peaceful demonstration took place outside the residence of Haryana Cabinet Minister Rao Narbir Singh, attracting numerous activists, local residents, and members of social organisations. Meanwhile, lawyers in Udaipur took to the streets to oppose the new definition.
Protesters carried banners and placards and chanted slogans like “Save Aravali, Save the Future” and “No Aravali, No Life,” voicing serious concern over the Supreme Court’s approval of the revised definition.
What Protesters Are Saying About The New Definition
Activists, as reported by PTI, warned that the revised definition of the Aravali Hills could open the door to mining, construction, and commercial projects, putting the natural beauty and ecological balance of the range at serious risk.
“This decision could harm the ecological stability of the region,” one protester told the news agency. Environmentalists highlighted that the Aravali range serves as a vital shield for the Delhi-NCR region, helping to control pollution, prevent desertification, and maintain groundwater levels.
Protesters urged the government to declare Aravalli a fully protected area and implement a stringent conservation policy. “Nature cannot be sacrificed in the name of development. Protecting the Aravali is essential for the future of coming generations. Air toxicity is spreading rapidly,” another activist said.
On Saturday, Rajasthan Assembly Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader Tika Ram Jully criticised the central government’s decision to redefine the Aravalli range, which permits mining in areas with hills under 100 meters. He warned that this could cause severe ecological damage and accelerate desertification.
“While promoting campaigns like 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,' the government is simultaneously allowing lakhs of trees to be cut for vested interests. This is unacceptable. The Aravali is Rajasthan’s lifeline, it halts desertification. Scientists have confirmed that without the Aravalli range, the entire region up to Delhi could have turned into a desert,” Jully told ANI.
What Supreme Court Said On Aravali Hills
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The Supreme Court has approved the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change committee’s recommendations regarding the definition of the Aravali Hills and Ranges. Under the updated definition, an Aravali Hill is any landform in specified Aravali districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above its surrounding terrain, while an Aravali Range refers to two or more such hills located within 500 metres of each other.