Amidst mounting criticism from environmental activists, political opponents, and public outcry, the Indian government has issued a detailed clarification regarding its stance on the Aravalli range. The clarification follows the Supreme Court's acceptance in November 2025 of a new definition for the ecologically sensitive Aravalli hills, a move that sparked fears of increased mining and environmental degradation.
The controversy stems from the Supreme Court's adoption of a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills, defining an "Aravalli Hill" as any landform in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 meters or more above its local elevation. Critics argue that this height-based definition excludes many ecologically vital low-relief formations, such as ridges and slopes, from protection, potentially opening them up to exploitation. Concerns have been raised that reduced protection could lead to increased mining, real estate development and infrastructure projects, jeopardizing the Aravalli's crucial role as a natural barrier against desertification, a groundwater recharge zone, and a vital wildlife corridor.
In response to the widespread concerns, the Centre has asserted that these fears are misplaced and that the new framework, backed by the Supreme Court, actually strengthens protection of the Aravalli region. Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav stated that over 90% of the Aravalli landscape remains under strict protection, and claims that mining has been opened up across the region are "completely wrong". He emphasized that mining is explicitly prohibited on the hills, their supporting slopes, and within a 500-meter buffer zone, and that "there is no relaxation".
The government has also highlighted that only a small fraction of the total Aravalli region is even theoretically eligible for mining. According to Minister Yadav, only about 0.19% to 2% of the 1.47 lakh sq km Aravalli region could potentially qualify, and any such activity would still require Supreme Court-approved sustainable mining plans and multiple statutory clearances. The Centre has also stated that no new mining leases will be issued in mapped hill areas, and Green Aravalli initiatives remain in force.
The Environment Ministry maintains that the primary threat to the Aravallis continues to be illegal and unregulated mining. To combat this, the government has stated it will focus on stronger monitoring, enforcement, and the use of technology like drones and surveillance to address the issue. The Centre also clarified that the Supreme Court directed the standardization of the Aravalli definition to remove ambiguity and prevent the misuse of varying state-level criteria that had previously allowed mining activities dangerously close to hill bases. The government has also emphasized its commitment to the "Green Aravalli" program, aimed at enhancing the ecological health of the region.
Despite the government's assurances, many environmental activists remain unconvinced. They argue that ecological systems cannot be reduced to mathematical thresholds and that hills, forests, and catchment areas function as integrated landscapes. Some groups have called for a precautionary approach, advocating for the entire Aravalli ecosystem to be treated as protected, regardless of height or slope. They also argue that the real issue is enforcement, not definition. Concerns also exist regarding the presence of critical minerals like graphite and lithium in the Aravalli region, raising suspicions about potential mining interests. The debate over the Aravalli definition highlights the ongoing tension between economic development and environmental preservation, and whether the Centre's clarification will alleviate concerns about the future of this ancient and ecologically significant mountain range remains to be seen.
