Intense political, environmental, and public discussion has erupted throughout Rajasthan and beyond in response to the Supreme Court’s recent decision about the definition of the Aravalli hills. A technical definition with significant ecological and economic ramifications is at the centre of the dispute.
What Did the Supreme Court Decide?#
A definition put out by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change was approved by the Supreme Court in November 2025. Only formations that are higher than 100 meters in elevation are considered to be a part of the Aravalli hills. The Court made this ruling in order to promote consistency among states. Aravalli formations have been identified using a variety of criteria by various states and authorities. The Court believed that uneven meanings undermined enforcement and regulation. The Court gave important guidelines in addition to the definition. Until a thorough scientific plan was created, it was forbidden to grant new mining leases or extend existing ones in the Aravalli area. Additionally, it guided the creation of a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM). No-mining zones, vulnerable habitats, animal corridors, aquifer recharge areas, and ecological carrying capacity must all be included in this plan. The Court did not, however, completely forbid mining. It permitted the continuation of current lawful mining under stringent regulations. The judges contended that previous widespread prohibitions had bolstered mining mafias and promoted illicit mining.
Why Has the Ruling Sparked Protests?#
Environmental organisations contend that the 100-meter limit is hazardous and unfair. The majority of Aravalli hillocks in Rajasthan range in height from thirty to eighty meters. Nearly 90% of the state’s Aravalli range is no longer legally protected under the new definition. Out of about 1.6 lakh hillocks, data indicates that just 1,048 of them satisfy the 100-meter requirement. As a result, most of the landscape is now exposed to mining, building, and changes in land use. The decision, according to activists, justifies previous devastation. In 2018, a committee formed by the Supreme Court stated that mining has destroyed over 25% of Rajasthan’s Aravallis. The new definition, according to critics, may hasten this harm.
Ecological Importance of the Aravalli Range#
The age of the Aravalli range is close to two billion years. It is among the world’s oldest mountain systems and the oldest in India. Its ecological significance extends well beyond its height. Desertification is naturally prevented by the Aravallis. They stop the Thar Desert from spreading eastward into western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. Arid conditions could spread quickly in the absence of this barrier. The range is essential for controlling the climate. It affects the patterns of rainfall in northwest India. Large-scale devastation, according to scientists, can cause monsoon moisture to move westward, decreasing rainfall in Rajasthan and having an impact on agriculture. Another important source of water is the Aravallis. This is the source of several significant rivers, such as the Chambal, Banas, Sahibi, Luni, Sabarmati, and Gambhiri. Aquifers in eastern Rajasthan are replenished by seasonal streams and subterranean waterways.
According to studies, the Aravalli system replenishes around two million litres of groundwater per hectare annually. This role is crucial in a state like Rajasthan where water is scarce. Approximately thirty-two significant reservoirs of drinkable water rely either directly or indirectly on the Aravallis. Rich biodiversity can be found in the hills. They are home to a variety of plant types, tiger passages, and wildlife habitats. Because of the excellent water-holding capacity of their old rock formations, groundwater can be preserved for extended periods of time.
Consequences of the New Definition#
Environmentalists fear dire long-term repercussions. Low-height hillocks could be flattened by extensive mining, as is now the case in places like Alwar. These ancient formations cannot be recreated once they are destroyed. Depletion of groundwater is a serious issue. Livestock, agriculture, and the provision of drinking water will all be impacted by decreased recharge. Small-scale farming and animal husbandry-based rural livelihoods are more vulnerable. The quality of the air could get worse. Dust and particle matter are released during quarrying and stone crushing. In neighbouring towns and cities, this deteriorates respiratory health. Economic threats are another issue to grapple with. Aravalli-fed water systems are crucial to agriculture in eastern Rajasthan. Reduced crop yield and increased migration could result from declining water availability. India’s international obligations are another topic of contention. India is required by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification to safeguard delicate ecosystems such as the Aravallis. These obligations could be compromised by weakening protections.
The Larger Policy Question#
The Supreme Court sought to balance regulations and provide scientific clarity. However, a lot of specialists contend that an ecological system cannot be defined by elevation alone. More important than height are hydrology, biodiversity, slope, and landscape continuity.
The Aravalli range should be designated as an ecologically critical area, according to environmentalists. They want all raw stone mining to cease. Additionally, they want the term to be reviewed before permanent harm is done. A deeper tension is brought to light by the Aravalli debate. It illustrates the tension between ecological survival and resource extraction motivated by development. The result will influence India’s strategy for safeguarding its oldest natural heritage as well as the environment of Rajasthan.
Clear Cut Climate Desk
New Delhi, UPDATED: Dec 22, 2025 02:35 IST
Written By: Nidhi Chandrikapure
