Why India's Aravalli Mountain Range Are at the Centre of Increasing Demonstrations.

Demonstrations have broken out across the northern part of the country after the nation's top court issued a new definition for the Aravalli hills – one of the world's oldest mountain ranges stretching across the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and the capital territory.

Under the new definition, accepted by the court following central government suggestions, an Aravalli hill is any geographical feature with a minimum elevation of 100 metres (328 ft) from the adjacent land. A cluster of such hills within 500 metres of each other, combined with the land between them, are deemed to be an Aravalli range.

Conservationists contend that classifying Aravalli hills by height potentially excludes many shorter, vegetation-clad but ecologically critical hills vulnerable to quarrying and development.

The federal government, on the other hand, maintains that the revised definition is designed to strengthen regulation and bring uniformity and not weaken safeguards.

Why are People Protesting?

Recently, calm demonstrations took place in cities including Gurugram and Udaipur, led by local residents, farmers, green activists, and, in some cases, lawyers and political parties.

A founder member of a prominent conservation collective commented that the new definition threatens to compromise the essential function of the Aravalli range in "halting desert expansion, replenishing aquifers and safeguarding local economies" in the northwestern region.

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

"This mountain system should not be defined by height alone, but by its ecological, geological and climatic purpose," said an environmental activist involved in the movement to preserve the Aravallis.

He added that, globally, mountain ranges are classified by the roles they play, not by arbitrary elevation thresholds.

"Any landform that is structurally a component 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."

Activists are demanding that the government delineate Aravalli areas using scientific criteria, encompassing geography, ecology, animal corridors and climate resilience.

A campaigner cautioned 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 significant environmental degradation.

A senior politician declared that safeguarding the Aravallis is "fundamentally linked to Delhi's survival." A different official called the range the state's "lifeline," stating that without it, "a vast region up to Delhi would have turned into a desert."

Official Position

India's federal government has attempted to minimize these concerns.

In a recent communication, it said the new definition is meant to strengthen regulation and create standardization, adding that a single, objective definition was needed to oversee extraction uniformly across states.

It added that the new definition covers the entire hill system – incorporating slopes, associated landforms, and connecting zones – clearly safeguarding hill clusters and their linkages.

The national environment department said it is incorrect to assume 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 added that mining remains prohibited in core "protected" areas – protected forests, eco-sensitive zones, and wetlands – aside from certain essential, national security, and nuclear minerals allowed by law.

The minister responsible for ecology indicated only about two percent of the vast Aravalli range might be open to extraction, and only after comprehensive assessments and official approval.

However, several of the protesting groups say that protests will persist and that they are exploring legal options to challenge the court's new definition.