The Aravalli Hills, one of the oldest mountain systems in India, are facing a significant threat due to a recent Supreme Court judgment. On November 20, the court accepted a special committee’s definition that only hills above 100 meters in elevation would be considered protected “hills”. This decision sparked widespread outrage from the scientific community and grassroots movements, leading the court to pause its judgment on December 29 and reconsider the issue. The Aravalli Range stretches across 800 kilometers, covering four states, and serves as a crucial ecological barrier between the Thar Desert and the fertile plains. It also acts as a vast green lung, preventing desertification and supporting a wide range of flora and fauna.
The government’s move to redefine the hills is seen as a attempt to open up the area for mining and infrastructure development, particularly for atomic minerals such as uranium and thorium, as well as rare earth elements. However, this could lead to the destruction of the Aravalli Range, with only 8.7% of the hills exceeding 100 meters in elevation. The Forest Survey of India has noted that 70% of Rajasthan’s Aravallis, covering 18,092 villages and 83,380 square kilometers, are likely to be delisted under the new notification.
The issue is not isolated, as the government has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission to develop “sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant” mineral supply chains. However, the courts must prioritize environmental protection and ecological balance over economic goals. The real estate industry is also eyeing sensitive non-development zones, such as the Bannerghatta National Park near Bengaluru and the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai, for construction and development.
The Supreme Court has been a consistent sentinel against ecological degradation, but the November judgment marks a change in approach. The court must use the mountain of environmental protection legislation to protect the Aravalli Hills and other sensitive ecosystems. The stakes are high, and the destruction of the Aravalli Range could have severe consequences for the environment and human life. The higher judiciary must prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term economic gains and ensure that development is balanced with environmental protection.