Delhi, 28 December (H.S.): The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday a matter related to the definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.G. Masih, will hear the suo motu case titled “In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges and Ancillary Issues”.

The Aravalli Range, spanning across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat, is among the oldest geological formations in the world. The ancient mountain system plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, biodiversity and climate stability across northern India.

The case has gained renewed attention following the Centre’s revised definition of the Aravalli Range, which received approval from the Supreme Court earlier. The move has triggered political and environmental concerns, with critics alleging that it could enable unchecked mining and commercial activity along the nearly 650-kilometre-long range stretching from Delhi to Gujarat.

Environmentalists have expressed apprehension that the new definition could weaken protection for the Aravallis, with potential ecological consequences extending beyond the four states to the wider Himalayan region.

In November, the Supreme Court approved a proposal dated October 13 to redefine the Aravalli Range. As per the revised definition, only landforms rising 100 metres or more above the surrounding terrain will be classified as Aravalli Hills. Additionally, two or more hills located within 500 metres of each other will be treated as part of the range. The definition was framed based on recommendations of a committee constituted by the central government.

Environmental groups argue that the new criteria would exclude a large number of hills below 100 metres from protection, possibly opening them up for mining, construction and other commercial activities. In response, activists across the country have launched the #SaveAravali campaign.

Amid the controversy, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said earlier this week that it has issued directions to states imposing a complete ban on the grant of any new mining leases in the Aravalli region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar