The Reason India's Aravalli Mountain Range Are at the Centre of Increasing Unrest.

Demonstrations have broken out across the northern part of the country after the nation's top court redefined the Aravalli hills – among the planet's most ancient mountain ranges spanning the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and the capital territory.

Under the new definition, accepted by the court following central government recommendations, an Aravalli hill is any landform with a minimum elevation of 100 metres (328 ft) above the adjacent land. A cluster of such hills less than half a kilometre of each other, along with the land between them, are considered an Aravalli range.

Ecologists assert that defining Aravalli hills by height risks leaving many lower, scrub-covered but ecologically critical hills vulnerable to quarrying and development.

The federal government, however, states that the new definition is intended to strengthen regulation and bring uniformity and not weaken safeguards.

What is Sparking the Demonstrations?

This weekend, calm demonstrations occurred in cities including Gurugram and Udaipur, led by local residents, farmers, green activists, and, at times, lawyers and political groups.

A founder member of a prominent conservation collective remarked that the new definition risks undermining the essential function of the Aravalli range in "halting desert expansion, replenishing aquifers and protecting livelihoods" in the northwestern region.

The shorter, vegetated hills perform a crucial function in preventing desertification, recharging groundwater and supporting livelihoods according to experts.

"This mountain system must not be categorized by height alone, but by its ecological, geological and climatic role," said an environmental activist associated with the movement to preserve the Aravallis.

He added that, globally, mountain ranges are classified by the roles they play, not by random height benchmarks.

"Any landform that is structurally a component of the Aravalli system and serves a vital purpose in the ecosystem or combating desertification should be recognised as part of the range, regardless of its height."

Activists are demanding that the government define Aravalli areas using research-based parameters, including topography, ecology, wildlife connectivity and climate resilience.

A campaigner cautioned that the court's new definition could encourage extractive industries, development and business projects, heightening the risk of environmental harm.

Political opponents have stepped up criticism, cautioning that the new definition might lead to serious ecological damage.

One political leader said that protecting the Aravallis is "fundamentally linked to Delhi's survival." A different official described the range the state's "lifeline," adding that without it, "a vast region up to Delhi would have turned into a desert."

What Does the Government Say?

India's federal government has sought to downplay these apprehensions.

In a official release, it said the new definition is meant to strengthen regulation and create standardization, adding that a single, objective definition was required to regulate mining uniformly across states.

It added that the new definition covers the whole mountainous region – including slopes, related features, and connecting zones – explicitly protecting hill clusters and their linkages.

The federal environment ministry said it is wrong to presume that mining will be allowed on all landforms under 100 metres.

The government says areas inside the Aravalli hills or ranges are not eligible for new mining leases, while current operations can continue if they adhere to sustainable mining norms.

It noted that mining remains banned in core "inviolate" areas – protected forests, eco-sensitive zones, and wetlands – aside from certain essential, national security, and nuclear minerals allowed by law.

The Environment Minister said only about two percent of the 147,000 sqkm Aravalli range might be open to extraction, and only after comprehensive assessments and formal clearance.

However, many of the protesting groups say that demonstrations will continue and that they are considering legal options to contest the court's new definition.