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<p data-start="74" data-end="336"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Supreme Court&rsquo;s acceptance of a revised definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges has triggered protests across parts of Haryana and Rajasthan, with environmental activists warning that the change could severely harm one of India&rsquo;s oldest mountain systems.</span></p>
<p data-start="338" data-end="617"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Under the new definition, an &ldquo;Aravalli Hill&rdquo; is described as any landform in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above its local relief. An &ldquo;Aravalli Range&rdquo; is defined as a group of two or more such hills located within 500 metres of each other.</span></p>
<p data-start="619" data-end="949"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Environmental groups argue that the revised criteria narrow the scope of protection for the Aravallis and could open large areas to mining, construction and commercial activities. Protests were held in multiple locations, including Gurugram and Udaipur, drawing activists, social organisation members, lawyers and local residents.</span></p>
<p data-start="951" data-end="1361"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">In Gurugram, demonstrators gathered outside the residence of a Haryana cabinet minister, holding banners and placards reading &ldquo;Save Aravalli, Save the Future&rdquo; and &ldquo;No Aravalli, No Life.&rdquo; Similar demonstrations were reported in Udaipur, where lawyers joined the protests. Participants expressed concern over the Supreme Court order endorsing the new definition, fearing it would weaken environmental safeguards.</span></p>
<p data-start="1363" data-end="1722"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Activists said the Aravalli range plays a critical role in maintaining ecological balance, particularly in the Delhi-NCR region, by acting as a natural barrier against pollution, desertification and water scarcity. They warned that redefining the hills based on elevation alone could allow environmentally destructive activities in previously protected zones.</span></p>
<p data-start="1724" data-end="2096"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Protesters demanded that the Aravalli range be declared a fully protected area, along with the implementation of a strict and clearly defined conservation policy. They stressed that development should not come at the cost of environmental degradation and warned that deteriorating air quality and ecological damage would have long-term consequences for future generations.</span></p>
<p data-start="2098" data-end="2503"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The revised definition also drew political criticism in Rajasthan. The Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly criticised the move, arguing that allowing mining in areas with hills below 100 metres could lead to widespread ecological damage and accelerate desertification. He warned that the Aravalli range is vital for maintaining groundwater levels and preventing the spread of desert conditions.</span></p>
<p data-start="2505" data-end="2849"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">He further stated that the Aravallis serve as the lifeline of Rajasthan and act as a natural shield that prevents desert expansion towards the national capital region. According to him, scientists have long acknowledged that without the Aravalli mountain range, large parts of Rajasthan and areas up to Delhi could have turned into desert land.</span></p>
<p data-start="2851" data-end="3108" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The protests reflect growing concern among environmentalists and political leaders that the revised definition could weaken protections for the Aravalli range, with long-term consequences for ecology, water security and climate resilience in northern India.</span></p>
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Members of 'Aravalli Bachao Sanstha' stage a demonstration as part of the Save Aravalli movement

Activists warn revised Aravalli definition may open hills to mining, construction

New Aravalli Definition Triggers Protests

Activists warn revised Aravalli definition may open hills to mining, construction

December 21, 2025 | 18:59 IST