Amid concerns over the controversial redefinition of the Aravalli hills, the Supreme Court on Saturday said a three-judge vacation bench would discuss the matter on December 29. The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the Aravallis controversy and classified the matter as ‘Definition of Aravalli Hills and Mountain Ranges and Related Issues.’
Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice AG Masih are to preside over the hearing scheduled for Monday. The Aravalli range took off after the Center issued a new definition of the Aravalli range. Environmentalists and scientists alike alleged that the revised criteria describing the ancient ranges across Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat were introduced without adequate scientific assessment or public consultation.
Environmentalists and opposition parties have warned against opening large stretches of mining activity, arguing that this new definition of the Aravalli could adversely affect the fragile mountain ecosystem. This comes in the backdrop of the newly announced definition of the Aravalli Range, which is based on the 100 meter height criterion.
Until a comprehensive sustainable mining management plan is prepared, the Supreme Court has stayed new mining leases in the Aravallis. The government also announced a complete ban on fresh grant of mining leases in the Aravallis following the Supreme Court order.
ICFRE has asked for the preparation of a science-based plan for the Aravalli region for sustainable mining
The Ministry of Environment and Forests has commissioned the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to prepare a comprehensive, science-based Sustainable Mining Management (MPSM) plan for the entire Aravalli region. Based on ecological, geological and landscape considerations, the plan aims to “identify additional areas and zones across the Aravallis where mining should be banned beyond the areas already banned by the Centre”.
Aravalli Virasat Jan Abhiyaan member Neelam Ahluwalia opposed the Centre’s new definition and termed the move “completely unacceptable”. An environmentalist remarked, “In a critical mountain ecosystem like the Aravallis, there is nothing called sustainable mining. You cannot define the full extent of mining,” ANI reported.
According to Neelam Ahluwalia, applying a single height-based definition to an ancient and complex ecosystem could seriously affect water, food and climate security for millions of people. As she warned of environmental impacts, she disputed the Centre’s claim that only two per cent of the area would be affected.
Neelam Ahluwalia claimed that no supporting data in the public domain was provided, Neelam Ahluwalia pointed out.
Neelam Ahluwalia claimed that both legal and illegal mining activities are going on in 37 districts in the Aravalli belt, which has caused deforestation, groundwater depletion, river pollution and serious health problems. Seeking an independent review and public consultation, it demanded that the Supreme Court reverse its November 20 order and that the government withdraw the new definition.
On the recommendation of a committee headed by the environment ministry, the Supreme Court in November 2025 adopted a uniform legal definition of what constitutes the Aravalli Hills and the Aravalli Range.
