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The Aravalli Hills case has once again come into focus after the Supreme Court of India decided to put its earlier verdict on hold regarding the definition and protection of the Aravalli range. The issue is significant due to the ecological importance of the Aravalli Hills, which are among the oldest mountain ranges in the world and play a crucial role in preventing desertification, maintaining groundwater levels, and supporting biodiversity in north-western India.

The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter after concerns were raised over a revised definition of the Aravalli Hills. Environmental groups and civil society organisations feared that the diluted definition could be used to legitimise illegal mining, construction activities, and environmental degradation in protected areas. Acting on these concerns, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice J.K. Maheshwari, and Justice A.G. Masih decided to suspend its earlier directions temporarily.
The primary reason behind putting the earlier verdict on hold is the apprehension that the revised definition may allow mining activities in areas that are ecologically sensitive.

According to the previous Supreme Court definition, any landform having a minimum local relief of 100 metres, along with its supporting slopes and connected landforms, was considered part of the Aravalli Hills. Additionally, the Aravalli Range was defined as two or more such hills located within a distance of 500 metres from each other.

Earlier, the Court had also directed that a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) must be prepared before permitting any new mining activities in the region. However, the revised interpretation raised several critical questions. The Court expressed concern over whether regulated mining could be permitted in the 500-metre gaps between hills, and if so, what precise structural, geological, and environmental safeguards would apply. Another major concern was whether allowing mining in such gaps would break the ecological continuity of the Aravalli range, which could have long-term environmental consequences.

From a scientific and geological perspective, the Court noted a disturbing issue: under the 100-metre elevation criterion, only 1,048 hills out of 12,081 were reportedly qualifying as Aravalli Hills. The Court questioned the factual and scientific accuracy of this figure and sought a more rigorous, evidence-based assessment. To ensure an objective review, the Supreme Court decided to reconstitute a high-level expert committee that will re-examine the definition and its implications in a comprehensive manner.

During the hearing, the Court sought assistance from the Attorney General of India, R. Venkataramani. The Solicitor General informed the Court that states have been instructed to stop all further mining activities in the concerned areas. As of now, the status is clear: no new mining is permitted until further orders of the Supreme Court.

The case has its roots in widespread public protests and objections raised by environmental activists, civil society groups, and local communities. They argued that dilution of the Aravalli definition would weaken environmental safeguards and open the door for unchecked mining and construction. Supporting this stance, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision and clarified that a complete ban on new mining leases and renewals continues.

Overall, the case highlights the delicate balance between development and environmental protection, reinforcing the role of the judiciary in safeguarding India’s ecological heritage.



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