The Supreme Court’s recent ruling defining an Aravalli hill as land rising at least 100 metres above local ground has triggered serious environmental concerns. The decision came after the Centre sought clarity on what legally qualifies as an Aravalli hill. Instead of strengthening protection, critics argue the ruling risks narrowing it.
The Aravalli range is one of the world’s oldest mountain systems, stretching nearly 650 kilometres across north-west India. Its ecological value does not depend on height alone. Low-lying ridges, slopes, and plateaus play a crucial role in groundwater recharge, dust control, biodiversity support, and climate balance. Environmental experts warn that a height-based cutoff could exclude these vital formations from legal protection.
The court has ordered the preparation of a sustainable mining management plan and paused new mining leases until its completion. The government maintains that more than 90% of the Aravalli region remains protected and mining will be limited to a minimal area. However, conservationists argue that percentage figures mean little without transparent maps, updated surveys, and independent monitoring.
A broader concern has also emerged over whether courts should define complex ecological systems. Experts stress that environmental protection must rely on updated, multidisciplinary scientific studies rather than judicial measurements. Any dilution of Aravalli safeguards could worsen air pollution, water scarcity, and desertification across north India, where ecological margins are already fragile.
