The Aravalli Hills, a crucial ecological zone in India, have recently been in the spotlight following the government's revised definition. Amid criticism, the Environment Ministry reassured that there is no immediate ecological threat, emphasizing that mining activities are restricted to only 0.19% of the entire range.
This article delves into the implications of the new definition approved by the Supreme Court in November 2025 and explores the ongoing environmental debates.
The Supreme Court's new classification defines the Aravalli Hills as landforms that rise 100 meters or more above local relief. This definition includes the slopes and adjoining areas, which critics argue could exclude significant portions of the range from legal protection.
The Environment Ministry has announced that no new mining leases will be granted until a detailed study is conducted, as mandated by the court.
Despite the new definition, several regions within the Aravalli Hills continue to receive robust legal protection. These areas include:
Mining or development in these zones is strictly prohibited unless explicitly permitted under wildlife or forest regulations.
While existing safeguards protect many areas, they can be subject to change. A recent attempt by the Centre and Rajasthan to redefine the boundaries of the Sariska tiger reserve raised alarms. This move could have opened adjacent lands to mining activities but was halted following Supreme Court intervention.
Under the new parameters, several regions previously recognized as part of the Aravalli Hills by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) are now excluded. This includes districts such as:
Applying the new 100-meter local relief definition dramatically shrinks the officially recognized footprint of the Aravalli Hills. It is estimated that 99.12% of the identified hills could be excluded under this benchmark, raising concerns about the long-term conservation of the region.
The Environment Ministry argues that the 100-meter definition will encompass a larger area compared to the previous 3-degree slope formula. However, critics highlight that this approach risks excluding many genuine Aravalli landscapes.
Concerns extend beyond mining activities. The revised definition could facilitate real estate and infrastructure development in areas previously recognized as hilly, particularly in the Delhi NCR region, presenting severe environmental risks.
The debate surrounding the new definition of the Aravalli Hills emphasizes the need for careful consideration of both ecological inclusion and exclusion. While the government aims to avoid over-inclusion, critics warn that genuine environmental protection may be compromised.
Q1. What is the new definition of the Aravalli Hills?
Answer: The new definition classifies the Aravalli Hills as landforms rising 100 meters or more above local relief, including their slopes and nearby areas.
Q2. What areas are protected within the Aravalli range?
Answer: Protected areas include tiger reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, eco-sensitive zones, and certain wetlands, which are safeguarded from mining and development.
Q3. How does the new definition affect mining regulations?
Answer: The new definition restricts mining to only 0.19% of the Aravalli area and pauses new mining leases until further studies are conducted.
Q4. What are the environmental risks of the new definition?
Answer: The revised definition may open up previously protected areas to real estate and infrastructure development, raising significant ecological concerns.
Q5. Why is the new benchmark controversial?
Answer: Critics argue that the 100-meter benchmark may exclude large stretches of the Aravalli Hills from protection, undermining conservation efforts.
Question 1: What is the newly established height for defining the Aravalli Hills?
A) 50 meters
B) 100 meters
C) 150 meters
D) 200 meters
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What percentage of the Aravalli area is currently open to mining?
A) 0.19%
B) 1.9%
C) 5%
D) 10%
Correct Answer: A
Question 3: Which area is included in the protected zones of the Aravalli Hills?
A) Urban development areas
B) National parks
C) Mining sites
D) Agricultural lands
Correct Answer: B
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