Why The Nation's Aravalli Mountain Range Are at the Centre of Growing Demonstrations.

Unrest has flared across the northern part of the country after the Supreme Court redefined the Aravalli hills – one of the world's oldest mountain ranges spanning the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and the capital territory.

As per the revised criteria, approved by the court following central government recommendations, an Aravalli hill is any geographical feature rising at least 100 metres (328 ft) from the surrounding terrain. A cluster of such hills less than half a kilometre of each other, along with the land between them, are classified as an Aravalli range.

Ecologists assert that classifying Aravalli hills by height risks leaving numerous lower, scrub-covered but ecologically critical hills vulnerable to quarrying and development.

The central administration, on the other hand, states that the new definition is designed to tighten controls and bring uniformity and not dilute safeguards.

Why are People Protesting?

Over the past few days, calm demonstrations were held in cities such as Gurugram and Udaipur, organized by community members, farmers, green activists, and, in some cases, lawyers and political groups.

A founder member of a key environmental group commented that the new definition threatens to compromise the essential function of the Aravalli range in "halting desert expansion, recharging groundwater and protecting livelihoods" in northwest India.

The lower, scrub-covered hills play a vital role in stopping desert creep, boosting water tables and sustaining communities as per experts.

"The Aravalli range should not be defined by height alone, but by its ecological, geological and climatic role," noted an environmental activist associated with the campaign to save the Aravallis.

He pointed out that, globally, mountain ranges are classified by the functions they perform, not by random height benchmarks.

"Any feature that is structurally a component of the Aravalli system and serves a vital purpose in ecology or combating desertification must be acknowledged as part of the range, regardless of its height."

Activists are demanding that the government define Aravalli areas using scientific criteria, including geography, ecology, wildlife connectivity and climate resilience.

A campaigner cautioned that the court's new definition could encourage mining, construction and commercial activity, increasing the threat of ecological damage.

Political opponents have stepped up criticism, warning that the new definition could cause serious ecological damage.

One political leader declared that safeguarding the Aravallis is "inseparable from Delhi's survival." Another leader described the range the state's "lifeline," stating that without it, "a vast region up to Delhi would have turned into a desert."

What Does the Government Say?

India's central government has attempted to minimize these apprehensions.

In a recent communication, it asserted the new definition is meant to strengthen regulation and create standardization, adding that a clear, unambiguous definition was needed to regulate mining consistently across states.

It added that the new definition encompasses the whole mountainous region – incorporating slopes, associated landforms, and intervening areas – explicitly protecting hill clusters and their connections.

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

The government states areas within the Aravalli hills or ranges are excluded from new mining leases, while existing ones can continue if they adhere to environmentally sound practices.

It noted that mining remains prohibited in core "protected" areas – protected forests, eco-sensitive zones, and wetlands – aside from certain essential, national security, and nuclear minerals permitted by law.

The minister responsible for ecology indicated only about 2% of the vast Aravalli range could potentially be mined, and only after comprehensive assessments and formal clearance.

Nevertheless, several of the demonstrating organizations say that protests will persist and that they are considering judicial avenues to contest the court's new definition.