The Reason The Nation's Aravalli Mountain Range Are at the Centre of Growing Unrest.

Unrest has flared across the northern part of the country after the Supreme Court issued a new definition for the Aravalli hills – among the planet's most ancient geological formations stretching across the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and the capital territory.

As per the revised criteria, accepted by the court based on federal government suggestions, an Aravalli hill is any geographical feature with a minimum elevation of 100 metres (328 ft) above the adjacent land. Two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other, along with the land between them, are considered an Aravalli range.

Ecologists assert that classifying Aravalli hills by height risks leaving numerous lower, scrub-covered but vitally important hills unprotected from quarrying and development.

The central administration, however, says that the new definition is intended to enhance oversight and bring uniformity and not weaken protections.

The Roots of the Unrest

This weekend, calm demonstrations were held in cities including Gurugram and Udaipur, organized by community members, farmers, green activists, and, in some cases, lawyers and political groups.

An organizing member of a key conservation collective commented that the new definition risks undermining the essential function of the Aravalli range in "halting desert expansion, replenishing aquifers and protecting livelihoods" in northwest India.

The lower, scrub-covered hills play a vital role in preventing desertification, recharging groundwater and supporting livelihoods as per experts.

"The Aravalli range must not be categorized by height alone, but by its environmental, physical and weather-related role," said an ecology advocate involved in the movement to preserve the Aravallis.

He pointed out that, internationally, mountains and hill systems are classified by the functions they perform, not by arbitrary elevation thresholds.

"Any feature that is structurally a component of the Aravalli system and serves a vital purpose in ecology or preventing desertification should be recognised as a component of the system, regardless of its height."

Activists are demanding that the government define Aravalli areas using research-based parameters, including topography, ecology, wildlife connectivity and environmental durability.

One activist warned that the court's new definition might promote mining, construction and commercial activity, increasing the threat of ecological damage.

Political opponents have stepped up criticism, warning that the new definition might lead to significant environmental degradation.

One political leader declared that safeguarding the Aravallis is "fundamentally linked to Delhi's survival." Another leader called the range the state's "lifeline," adding that without it, "a vast region up to Delhi would have become a desert."

What Does the Government Say?

India's central government has sought to downplay these concerns.

In a recent communication, it said the new definition is intended to strengthen regulation and bring uniformity, noting that a single, objective definition was required to regulate mining uniformly across states.

It added that the new definition covers the whole mountainous region – incorporating slopes, related features, and intervening areas – clearly safeguarding hill clusters and their linkages.

The national environment department clarified it is incorrect to presume that mining will be allowed on all landforms under 100 metres.

The government states areas inside the Aravalli hills or ranges are not eligible for new mining leases, while current operations can continue if they adhere to environmentally sound practices.

It added that mining remains banned in core "inviolate" areas – reserved woodlands, eco-sensitive zones, and wetlands – except for certain critical, strategic, and atomic minerals allowed by law.

The Environment Minister said only about two percent of the vast Aravalli range might be open to extraction, and only after detailed studies and formal clearance.

However, several of the protesting groups contend that demonstrations will continue and that they are exploring judicial avenues to contest the court's new definition.