Why A New Definition of Aravalli Hills Has Triggered Protests Across Northern India - The Controversy Explained

A fresh controversy has erupted over the Aravalli hills after the Supreme Court of India ratifying the new definition of the mountain range, popularly known as the “green lungs” of Delhi-NCR and other

parts of northern India with critics arguing that the reclassification under the new definition could dilute long-standing legal protections, open up large stretches of the Aravalli Hills to mining and construction, and accelerate ecological damage in one of north India’s most fragile regions. The government, however, maintains that the Aravalli Hills are protected. The Aravalli Hills, one of the oldest mountain systems in the world, form a vital ecological barrier against the spread of the Thar Desert and play a critical role in groundwater recharge, climate moderation, and biodiversity preservation. Over the years, however, the range has faced extensive degradation due to illegal mining, urban encroachment, and deforestation.

The New Definition of Aravalli Hills

The Supreme Court, on November 20, 2025, accepted the recommendations of a committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change on the definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges.According to the new definition, "Aravalli Hill is any landform in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above its local relief" and an "Aravalli Range is a collection of two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other".Read More -Is Poison In The Air Going To Be Doubled? How The Aravalli Hills Crisis Could Make Your Lungs Pay the PriceAccepting the new definition, Chief Justice BR Gavai had said, "The main intention behind establishing an uniform definition is to protect the Aravalli Hills and Ranges." The definition affects the conservation, land use regulation and mining activities in the Aravalli Hills in four states - Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Environment Minister Breaks Silence

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav addressed concerns regarding the conservation of Aravalli Hills. Speaking at the India Economic Conclave (IEC) 2025 earlier this week, Yadav asserted taht the government is committed to ensure the maximum possible protection of the Aravalli."Aravalli spans four states and a total of 39 districts. The Aravalli is not just forest land. It includes forts, lakes, protected forest areas, temples, and cities. It is also home to critical minerals that are essential for the country’s needs. As for the operative part of the Supreme Court judgment, it directs the Environment Ministry to prepare a management plan for sustainable mining. At present, the court has only asked for the preparation of a plan; it has not permitted mining yet," Yadav pointed out. He said that conservation of Aravalli range is crucial, asserting that mining should not take place indiscriminately.

Activists Fear Ecological Destruction

Several north Indian cities have been witnessing protests in recent days over the new definition of Aravalli Hills. Environmental activists on Saturday held protests in Haryana's Gurugram and Rajasthan's Udaipur against the new elevation-based definition of what constitutes the Aravalli hills. They have demanded that the government declare Aravalli a completely protected area and bring in a strict and clear policy for its conservation.In Gurugram, a large number of activists, members of social organisations and locals gathered outside the residence of Cabinet minister Rao Narbir Singh and staged a peaceful protest. The protesters held banners and placards, and raised slogans such as "Save Aravalli, Save the Future" and "No Aravalli, No Life".

"This decision could encourage mining, construction and commercial activities, increasing the risk of destruction of the natural beauty of the Aravalli Range. We believe this decision could be detrimental to its ecological balance," a protester told PTI. In Udaipur also, a large number of lawyers took to the streets, protesting against the new definition of Aravalli. Raised slogans, they marched from Udaipur court premises to the district collectorate, where they submitted a memorandum addressed to the President and to the additional district magistrate. The lawyers said the future of Rajasthan and Udaipur would remain secure only if the Aravallis are protected.