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

Protests have erupted across the northern part of the country after the Supreme Court redefined the Aravalli hills – one of the world's oldest geological formations spanning the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi.

According to the fresh parameters, approved by the court following federal government suggestions, an Aravalli hill is any geographical feature with a minimum elevation of 100 metres (328 ft) above the surrounding terrain. A cluster of such hills within 500 metres of each other, along with the land between them, are considered an Aravalli range.

Conservationists contend that defining Aravalli hills based on elevation potentially excludes many shorter, vegetation-clad but ecologically critical hills unprotected from quarrying and development.

The central administration, on the other hand, states that the new definition is meant to strengthen regulation and bring uniformity and not dilute protections.

What is Sparking the Demonstrations?

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.

A founder member of a key conservation collective remarked that the new definition risks undermining the essential function of the Aravalli range in "preventing desertification, replenishing aquifers and protecting livelihoods" in northwest India.

The lower, scrub-covered hills perform a crucial function in preventing desertification, boosting water tables and supporting livelihoods as per experts.

"This mountain system must not be categorized by height alone, but by its ecological, geological and climatic purpose," said an environmental activist associated with the campaign to save the Aravallis.

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

"Any feature that is geologically part of the Aravalli system and plays a critical role in ecology or combating desertification should be recognised as part of the range, regardless of its height."

Protesters are calling for that the government delineate Aravalli areas using scientific criteria, encompassing topography, ecology, wildlife connectivity and climate resilience.

A campaigner cautioned that the court's new definition might promote extractive industries, development and business projects, increasing the threat of environmental harm.

Political opponents have stepped up criticism, warning that the new definition might lead to serious ecological damage.

One political leader declared that protecting the Aravallis is "inseparable from Delhi's survival." Another leader described the range the state's "lifeline," adding 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 statement, it said the new definition is meant to bolster governance and bring uniformity, adding that a single, objective definition was required to oversee extraction uniformly across states.

It further stated that the new definition encompasses the whole mountainous region – including slopes, related features, and intervening areas – clearly safeguarding hill clusters and their connections.

The federal environment ministry clarified it is wrong to assume that mining will be permitted on all landforms under 100 metres.

The government states areas within the Aravalli hills or ranges are not eligible for new mining leases, while current operations can continue if they follow sustainable mining norms.

It noted that mining remains prohibited in core "inviolate" areas – reserved woodlands, eco-sensitive zones, and wetlands – except for certain essential, national security, and nuclear minerals allowed by law.

The minister responsible for ecology indicated only about 2% of the vast Aravalli range might be open to extraction, and only after detailed studies and official approval.

Nevertheless, many of the demonstrating organizations say that demonstrations will continue and that they are exploring judicial avenues to challenge the court's new definition.