The Supreme Court of India has intervened in a growing environmental controversy, scheduling a crucial hearing for 29 December 2025 to address concerns over the government's new definition of the Aravalli hills. This move comes after environmental activists raised alarms that the revised criteria could open up ecologically sensitive areas to destructive mining.
Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance, Forms Special Bench
Acting on its own motion, the apex court has taken serious note of the dispute. A special three-judge vacation bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice JK Maheshwari, and Justice AG Masih, will preside over the hearing. The case is formally listed as 'Definition of Aravalli Hills and Mountain Ranges and Related Issues.'
The core of the dispute lies in a new definition of the Aravalli Range notified by the Centre, which relies primarily on a 100-metre height criterion. Scientists and conservationists argue that this definition was formulated without proper scientific study or public consultation, potentially excluding lower but critically important sections of the ancient mountain chain.
Immediate Ban on New Mining Leases
In a significant interim order, the Supreme Court has put a complete hold on granting any new mining leases in the Aravallis. This ban will remain in effect until a comprehensive and science-based plan for sustainable mining is prepared and approved.
Following the court's direction, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has tasked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) with creating a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM). This plan must consider ecological, geological, and landscape factors to identify zones where mining should be permanently prohibited.
Environmentalists Decry "Unscientific" Move
The government's new definition has faced fierce opposition from environmental groups. Neelam Ahluwalia of the Aravalli Virasat Jan Abhiyaan called the move "completely unacceptable." She challenged the very notion of sustainable mining in such a critical ecosystem, stating, "You cannot define an entire range for mining."
Ahluwalia warned that applying a uniform height-based rule to the complex Aravalli ecosystem could jeopardize water security, food production, and climate resilience for millions of people in the region. She disputed official claims that only two per cent of the area would be affected, noting that no supporting data has been made public.
Highlighting existing damage, she pointed out that both legal and illegal mining across 37 districts in the Aravalli belt has already led to:
- Deforestation
- Groundwater depletion
- River pollution
- Serious public health concerns
The activist has demanded that the Supreme Court recall its November 20, 2025 order, which accepted the uniform definition based on a committee recommendation, and that the government withdraw the new notification entirely.
The hearing on Monday is poised to be a pivotal moment for the future of the Aravallis, a mountain range spanning Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat that acts as a crucial green barrier against desertification and a major groundwater recharge zone.
