Environmental activists in India’s Haryana and Rajasthan states held protests on Saturday against a new definition of the Aravalli hills, which they fear could harm the ecological balance of the mountain range. The protests were held in Gurugram and Udaipur, with activists expressing concern over a recent Supreme Court order that ratified a new definition of the Aravalli hills. The definition, recommended by a committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, states that an “Aravalli Hill” is any landform with an elevation of 100 meters or more above its local relief, and an “Aravalli Range” is a collection of two or more such hills within 500 meters of each other.
Activists argue that this definition could lead to increased mining, construction, and commercial activities, which could destroy the natural beauty of the Aravalli range and harm its ecological balance. They believe that the Aravalli mountain range is a natural protective shield for the Delhi-NCR region, playing a crucial role in preventing pollution, desertification, and water crisis. The protesters demanded that the government declare the Aravalli range a completely protected area and implement a strict conservation policy.
In Gurugram, protesters gathered outside the residence of Cabinet minister Rao Narbir Singh, holding banners and placards with slogans such as “Save Aravalli, Save the Future” and “No Aravalli, No Life”. In Udaipur, a group of lawyers marched from the court premises to the district collectorate, submitting a memorandum to the President and the additional district magistrate. The lawyers emphasized that the future of Rajasthan and Udaipur depends on the protection of the Aravalli range, and urged the government to take immediate measures to conserve the mountain range.
The activists emphasized that the conservation of the Aravalli range is linked to the secure future of coming generations, and that development should not come at the cost of environmental degradation. They warned that the toxicity of air is becoming a widespread problem, and that protecting the Aravalli range is essential to preventing pollution and ensuring a healthy environment. The protests highlight the concerns of environmental activists and local communities about the impact of the new definition on the Aravalli range, and their demand for stronger conservation measures to protect the mountain range.