Why the New Definition of the Aravalli Hills Has Triggered Protests Across North India

Introduction

The Aravalli Hills, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, have once again become the focus of nationwide environmental concern following the Supreme Court’s acceptance of a revised definition proposed by a committee under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

The revised definition has triggered protests across Gurugram, Udaipur, and other parts of Haryana and Rajasthan, with environmental activists, lawyers, and local residents warning that the move could seriously weaken ecological protections for the region.

What Is the New Definition of the Aravalli Hills?

As per the recommendations accepted by the Supreme Court, the Aravalli landscape is now defined as follows:

  • Aravalli Hill:
    Any landform located in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above local relief.

  • Aravalli Range:
    A cluster of two or more such hills situated within 500 metres of each other.

This definition introduces quantitative elevation and proximity thresholds, which were earlier absent or loosely defined.

Why Has the New Definition Sparked Protests?

Environmental groups argue that the revised definition excludes vast stretches of the Aravalli ecosystem that are ecologically critical but do not meet the newly prescribed height criteria.

Key Concerns Raised by Activists:

  • Large tracts of low-lying hills and forested land may now fall outside regulatory protection.

  • Areas below the 100-metre threshold could become legally open to mining, construction, and commercial exploitation.

  • The definition focuses narrowly on elevation, ignoring ecological continuity, biodiversity, and groundwater recharge zones.

Protests were reported:

  • In Gurugram, outside the residence of Haryana Cabinet Minister Rao Narbir Singh.

  • In Udaipur, where lawyers and civil society groups demonstrated against the redefinition.

Ecological Importance of the Aravalli Range

Environmentalists underline that the Aravalli range is not merely a geographical formation but a critical ecological shield for northern India.

Functions of the Aravallis:

  • Acts as a natural barrier against desertification, preventing the Thar Desert from advancing eastward.

  • Plays a vital role in groundwater recharge, especially in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi-NCR.

  • Helps mitigate air pollution by acting as a green buffer for urban regions.

  • Supports biodiversity, including forests, wildlife corridors, and traditional water bodies.

Activists warn that weakening protections could accelerate climate vulnerability in already fragile regions.

Political Reactions and Opposition Criticism

Rajasthan Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully strongly criticised the redefinition, stating that it effectively allows mining in areas with hills below 100 metres.

He cautioned that:

  • The move could cause massive ecological damage.

  • It contradicts public environmental campaigns such as “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”.

  • Scientific studies have long acknowledged that without the Aravallis, large parts of Rajasthan and Delhi-NCR would face desertification.

Demands Raised by Environmental Activists

Protesters and environmental organisations have demanded:

  • Declaration of the entire Aravalli range as a fully protected ecological zone.

  • A clear, uniform, and strict conservation policy applicable across states.

  • Restoration of protections irrespective of hill height or administrative boundaries.

  • Greater reliance on scientific and ecological criteria, rather than mechanical elevation benchmarks.

Role of the Supreme Court and Environmental Governance

The Supreme Court’s acceptance of the committee’s recommendations has become a focal point of criticism. Activists argue that judicial endorsement gives legal legitimacy to a definition that may dilute decades of environmental jurisprudence aimed at protecting fragile ecosystems.

However, the Court relied on the expert committee’s assessment, reflecting judicial deference to executive expertise—an approach that has both supporters and critics.

Statutes Involved in the Aravalli Protection Framework

Several statutory instruments govern environmental protection in the Aravalli region:

1. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

  • Empowers the Centre to take measures for protecting and improving environmental quality.

  • Basis for restrictions on mining and construction in ecologically sensitive areas.

2. Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

  • Regulates diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.

  • Critical in Aravalli districts with recorded and deemed forest areas.

3. Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957

  • Governs mining operations, subject to environmental clearances.

  • Loopholes in geographical definitions can directly impact mining permissions.

4. State-Level Aravalli Notifications (Haryana & Rajasthan)

  • Both states have issued specific notifications restricting mining and construction in the Aravallis, many of which rely on judicial interpretations.

Constitutional Provisions Implicated

Article 21 – Right to Life

The Supreme Court has consistently held that the right to a clean and healthy environment is part of Article 21.

Article 48A – Directive Principle

Mandates the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.

Article 51A(g) – Fundamental Duty

Places a duty on citizens to protect the natural environment, including forests and rivers.

Environmental activists argue that the redefinition undermines these constitutional mandates.

Key Judicial Precedents on Aravalli Protection

M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Aravalli Mining Cases)

  • The Supreme Court imposed strict bans on mining in the Aravalli region.

  • Recognised the ecological significance of the hills beyond narrow geographical definitions.

T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India

  • Expanded the concept of “forest” to include areas irrespective of ownership or classification.

  • Often cited to protect forested Aravalli lands.

Lafarge Umiam Mining Case

  • Emphasised the precautionary principle and sustainable development in environmental decisions.

Critics argue that the new definition departs from the spirit of these rulings.

Conclusion: Development vs Environmental Survival

The protest against the new Aravalli definition reflects a deeper tension between development-driven governance and ecological survival. Environmentalists warn that narrowing legal definitions may offer short-term economic gains but risk irreversible environmental loss.

As climate stress intensifies, the Aravalli debate underscores a fundamental question for policymakers and courts alike:
Can environmental protection be reduced to technical measurements, or must it be guided by ecological realities and constitutional values?

Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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