Supreme Court Redefinition of Aravalli Hills Sparks Protests Across India

Protests have erupted across northern India after the Supreme Court redefined the boundaries of the Aravalli hills, one of the world’s oldest geological formations spanning Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi.

Under the new ruling, a hill in the Aravalli range is now defined as any landform rising at least 100 metres (328 feet) above the surrounding terrain. Two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other, along with the land connecting them, are classified as part of an Aravalli range.

Environmentalists have raised concerns that the definition, based primarily on height, could leave lower, scrub-covered but ecologically vital hills unprotected. Many of these areas play a critical role in biodiversity conservation, groundwater recharge, and preventing soil erosion. Critics fear that these lower hills may become vulnerable to mining, construction, and other commercial activities.

The federal government maintains that the redefinition aims to strengthen regulations and provide uniform standards across states, rather than weaken environmental protections. Officials argue that a consistent definition will simplify enforcement and reduce ambiguity in land-use policies.

The ruling has sparked protests from activists, local communities, and environmental groups, who say the decision could threaten the delicate ecosystems of the Aravalli region. Legal challenges and public campaigns are expected to continue as stakeholders push for broader protections to preserve the hills’ ecological and cultural significance.