The Aravalli Range dispute reaches a crucial stage today as the Supreme Court takes up the matter for hearing. A vacation bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant will hear the case. Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih are also part of the bench.
The controversy centers on a revised definition of the Aravalli Range. The Centre has proposed that only hills measuring 100 meters or more in height qualify as Aravalli. Environmental groups and opposition parties strongly oppose this change. They argue that the move could exclude smaller hills from protection.
Critics warn that the new definition may open the door to expanded mining. They fear serious damage to fragile ecosystems across Rajasthan, Haryana, and the Delhi-NCR region. Supporters of the proposal claim the concerns are based on misunderstanding. The Centre says Aravalli protection will continue under existing safeguards.
The Supreme Court accepted the Environment Ministry committee’s recommendation on November 20, 2025. The issue, however, has remained under judicial scrutiny since 1985. Earlier rulings in the Godavarman and M.C. Mehta cases granted broad protection to the Aravallis.
Former Haryana forest officer R.P. Balwan has also challenged the new definition. He has named the Centre and concerned states as parties. Amid rising concern, the Centre ordered a ban on new mining leases in the Aravalli region on December 24. The court’s hearing may now shape the future of this vital mountain range.
