Protests have erupted across northern India after the nation's top court issued a new definition for the Aravalli hills – among the planet's most ancient mountain ranges stretching across the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and the capital territory.
As per the revised criteria, endorsed by the court following federal government recommendations, an Aravalli hill is any landform rising at least 100 metres (328 ft) above the adjacent land. Two or more such hills less than half a kilometre of each other, combined with the land between them, are deemed to be an Aravalli range.
Conservationists contend that classifying Aravalli hills based on elevation could leave many lower, scrub-covered but vitally important hills unprotected from quarrying and development.
The federal government, on the other hand, says that the revised definition is meant to enhance oversight and bring uniformity and not weaken protections.
The Roots of the Unrest
Over the past few days, calm demonstrations took place in cities including Gurugram and Udaipur, led by community members, farmers, environmental activists, and, in some cases, lawyers and political parties.
An organizing member of a key environmental group commented that the new definition risks undermining the essential function of the Aravalli range in "halting desert expansion, recharging groundwater and protecting livelihoods" in northwest India.
The lower, scrub-covered hills perform a crucial function in preventing desertification, recharging groundwater and sustaining communities as per experts.
"This mountain system must not be categorized solely by elevation, but by its ecological, geological and climatic function," noted an environmental activist associated with the campaign to preserve the Aravallis.
He said that, internationally, mountains and hill systems are identified by the roles they play, not by random height benchmarks.
"Any feature that is geologically part of the Aravalli system and plays a critical role in the ecosystem or combating desertification should be recognised as a component of the system, regardless of its height."
Protesters are calling for that the government delineate Aravalli areas using scientific criteria, encompassing geography, ecology, animal corridors and environmental durability.
One activist warned that the court's new definition could encourage mining, construction and commercial activity, increasing the threat of environmental harm.
Political opponents have stepped up criticism, warning that the new definition could cause serious ecological damage.
A senior politician declared that protecting the Aravallis is "inseparable from Delhi's survival." Another leader called the range the state's "lifeline," stating that without it, "a vast region up to Delhi would have become a desert."
The Government's Stance
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 bring uniformity, noting that a clear, unambiguous definition was required to oversee extraction consistently across states.
It further stated that the new definition encompasses the entire hill system – including slopes, associated landforms, and intervening areas – clearly safeguarding hill clusters and their linkages.
The national environment department said it is incorrect to presume that mining will be allowed on all landforms under 100 metres.
The government says areas within the Aravalli hills or ranges are not eligible for new mining leases, while current operations can continue if they adhere to sustainable mining norms.
It noted that mining remains prohibited in core "inviolate" areas – reserved woodlands, environmentally fragile zones, and wetlands – aside from certain essential, national security, and nuclear minerals allowed by law.
The Environment Minister indicated only about 2% of the vast Aravalli range could potentially be mined, and only after comprehensive assessments and official approval.
Nevertheless, many of the demonstrating organizations contend that demonstrations will continue and that they are considering legal options to challenge the court's new definition.
