The Aravalli Crisis: India’s Oldest Hills at the Centre of a New Environmental Debate

 🏔️ The Aravalli Crisis: India’s Oldest Hills at the Centre of a New Environmental Debate

The Aravalli Range — stretching about 670 km from Gujarat through Rajasthan and Haryana to Delhi — is one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world and a vital natural asset for India’s ecology and climate. Recently, it’s been in the headlines due to a controversial redefinition and the future of mining and protection of the range. �

📌 What’s Happening?

In November 2025, the Supreme Court of India accepted a new uniform definition of what qualifies as the Aravalli Hills and Ranges. According to this definition:

An Aravalli Hill is a landform that rises 100 meters or more above its local surrounding terrain.

Two or more such hills within 500 meters of each other make up an Aravalli Range. �

This redefinition is intended to create a consistent legal framework for protection and regulation across all states. �

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🌍 Why the Issue Is Controversial

Although clarity sounds helpful in theory, many experts and activists warn that the new criteria could weaken environmental protection. Critics argue:

❗ 1. Much of Aravalli Might Lose Protection

Smaller hills, slopes, foothills, and ecologically sensitive land that don’t meet the 100 m benchmark may no longer be legally recognised as part of the Aravallis — even though they play a critical role in:

Groundwater recharge

Biodiversity support

Blocking desert winds/dust

Climate regulation 

❗ 2. Fears of Increased Mining

Though the government insists that only about 0.19 % of the Aravalli area will be open to legal mining and that most of the range remains protected, opponents worry the new rules could create loopholes that benefit mining and construction interests. �

❗ 3. Large-Scale Illegal Mining Historically

Illegal mining has been a long-standing problem in states like Rajasthan, which alone has seen over 27,000 mining-related cases in the last five years — highlighting persistent enforcement challenges. �

❗ 4. Environmental Risks at Stake

Environmentalists warn that if arid zones expand and the hills continue to degrade:

Desertification may accelerate

Delhi–NCR may see worse air pollution

Water scarcity could intensify

Climate resilience of North India may be weakened �

🧠 What Government and Supporters Say

The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and the Supreme Court order both say:

The new definition brings legal clarity.

It ensures sustainable and regulated use rather than blanket bans.

Most of the Aravalli area remains under protection.

Allegations of widespread deregulation are misleading. �

⚖️ Legal and Political Dimension

The controversy has spilled into Parliament, state assemblies, and public protests. Opposition leaders call the redefinition dangerous for the region’s ecology and accuse the government of misleading the public. �

The Statesman

Meanwhile, a former Chief Justice has hinted that the Supreme Court decision could be revisited or corrected by a future bench if needed. �

📣 Why This Matters to India

The Aravalli Range is not just a chain of hills — it is a natural lifeline for millions of people across four states. It affects:

Climate stability

Water resources

Air quality

Agriculture and rural livelihoods �

This debate highlights a broader challenge India faces: balancing development, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.