Aravalli Hills Controversy

Source: FL

Subject: Environment

Context: The Supreme Court has approved a new height-based definition of the Aravalli Hills, triggering nationwide concern as environmentalists warn it may deregulate large ecologically sensitive areas beyond mining.

• The move has sparked protests under the “Save Aravalli” campaign, citing long-term ecological risks.

About Aravalli Hills Controversy:

What are the Aravalli Hills?

• The Aravalli range is one of the oldest mountain systems in the world (≈3.2 billion years old), stretching ~650–700 km from Delhi to Gujarat.

• It acts as the ecological backbone of north-west India, preventing desertification, aiding groundwater recharge, moderating climate, and supporting rich biodiversity.

Key features of the Aravallis:

• Natural climatic barrier: Acts as a shield preventing the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert, reducing desertification in Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi-NCR.

• Hydrological significance: Serves as the source and recharge zone for rivers such as Chambal, Sabarmati and Luni, sustaining agriculture and drinking water security.

• Wildlife corridors: Forms ecological linkages between protected areas like Sariska and Ranthambhore, crucial for tiger and wildlife movement.

• Pollution buffer: Acts as the green lungs of North India, moderating heat, trapping dust, and reducing air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

What is the issue?

• New height-based definition: The Centre has defined Aravalli Hills as landforms rising ≥100 metres above local relief, narrowing their legal recognition.

• Shift from scientific mapping: This replaces the FSI’s 3-degree slope method, which recognised low-height but ecologically continuous hill systems.

• Large-scale exclusion risk: Many low-elevation Aravalli tracts, especially in Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan, may lose protection.

• Beyond mining concerns: Even if mining is restricted, derecognition can allow construction, urbanisation and real estate expansion.

• Long-term ecological impact: Experts warn of increased water stress, heat waves, dust storms and biodiversity loss due to fragmented protection.

Supreme Court judgment on Aravalli Hills:

• In its November 20, 2025 judgment, the Supreme Court accepted the Centre-led committee’s definition.

• It held that: Only hills ≥100 m above local relief are Aravalli Hills. Two such hills within 500 m constitute an Aravalli range. Fresh mining leases are temporarily barred pending detailed studies.

• Only hills ≥100 m above local relief are Aravalli Hills.

• Two such hills within 500 m constitute an Aravalli range.

• Fresh mining leases are temporarily barred pending detailed studies.

• The Court prioritised administrative uniformity and “sustainable mining”, over landscape-level ecological continuity.

Challenges associated:

• Massive ecological exclusion: By relying on a narrow height-based benchmark, the new definition risks removing legal protection from vast stretches of low-lying Aravalli systems that function as one continuous ecological landscape.

• Threat beyond mining: Even if mining is restricted, derecognised Aravalli tracts become vulnerable to construction, highways and real estate expansion, especially in the rapidly urbanising Delhi–NCR region.

• Weak precautionary principle: Prioritising avoidance of “over-inclusion” underestimates cumulative environmental harm, ignoring how small, fragmented interventions can irreversibly damage fragile hill ecosystems.

• Limited public participation: The redefinition process lacked meaningful consultation with local communities, scientists and environmental groups, reducing democratic legitimacy and ecological accountability.

• Climate vulnerability: Degradation of the Aravallis can intensify heat waves, dust storms, flooding and groundwater depletion, worsening climate stress across North India.

Way ahead:

• Adopt landscape-based protection: Conservation must include not only hilltops but also slopes, valleys and ecological corridors that sustain hydrology, biodiversity and climate regulation.

• Restore scientific benchmarks: Revisiting FSI’s slope-based and geological criteria can ensure demarcation reflects ecological function rather than narrow physical thresholds.

• Strengthen legal safeguards: Expanding eco-sensitive zones and rigorously enforcing the Environment (Protection) Act can provide layered and durable protection to vulnerable areas.

• Institutionalise public consultation: Transparent decision-making with stakeholder participation can balance development needs with ecological and social concerns.

• Integrate climate resilience: Recognising the Aravallis as critical natural infrastructure can anchor policies in long-term climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

Conclusion:

The Aravalli Hills are not defined by height, but by their ecological function and continuity. A narrow, technical definition risks dismantling one of India’s most vital natural shields. Revisiting the judgment through a science-based, precautionary, and participatory approach is essential to safeguard long-term environmental security.

Q. “Species recovery without habitat integrity is conservation in appearance, not substance.” Critically examine this statement using examples from India’s animal conservation projects. Assess the long-term ecological risks associated with such approaches. (15 M)