The Supreme Court of India has put on hold its recent order that approved a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges, citing serious concerns over the way the definition was being interpreted and its possible impact on the fragile ecosystem. The court has now directed the formation of a high-powered, independent expert committee to reassess the definition and provide a fresh scientific opinion, while ordering that all mining activity in the Aravalli region remain suspended until the review is completed.
The decision follows widespread protests in Rajasthan and Haryana, where environmental groups and local communities warned that the new definition could weaken protections for one of the world’s oldest mountain systems and open large areas to mining. Taking suo motu cognisance of the issue on December 28, a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices J K Maheshwari and A G Masih, noted that the earlier directions issued on November 20 had generated confusion and public anxiety.
In its order, the court acknowledged that the recommendations of the earlier expert committee, which had been accepted by the bench, were being misconstrued. It said the public dissent and criticism appeared to stem from ambiguity and lack of clarity in certain terms and directives, creating the risk of regulatory gaps that could undermine the ecological integrity of the Aravalli landscape. The bench stressed that environmental concerns raised by experts and citizens warranted urgent re-examination.
The earlier definition proposed a uniform framework for the Aravallis across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi, using elevation and slope as key criteria. Under this definition, Aravalli hills were described as landforms rising at least 100 metres above the local relief, while an Aravalli range was defined as a cluster of two or more such hills located within 500 metres of each other. Environmentalists argued that this approach could exclude large tracts traditionally considered part of the Aravallis.
A Down To Earth analysis had warned that nearly half of the Aravalli area could become vulnerable to mining if the definition were implemented as it stood. The Supreme Court echoed these concerns, questioning whether the criteria had effectively broadened the scope of areas excluded from the Aravallis and whether this could facilitate unregulated mining. The bench also sought clarity on whether mining would be permitted in the 500-metre gaps between hills and what safeguards would be put in place to maintain ecological continuity.
The court further questioned the scientific basis of the finding that only 1,048 out of 12,081 hills met the 100-metre elevation criterion, asking whether this conclusion was factually and scientifically sound. Emphasising the need for a fair and impartial reassessment, the bench said a new expert committee must be constituted with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders.
Until the new committee completes its review and submits its findings, the Supreme Court has ordered that its earlier directions remain in abeyance. Notices have been issued to the Centre and the concerned states, directing them to halt all mining activities in the Aravalli region during this period.
Environmental lawyers and activists have welcomed the move, seeing it as a sign that the court has taken note of the potential ecological risks. They argue that the decision underscores the need for rigorous scientific scrutiny and clear legal safeguards to protect the Aravallis, which play a critical role in groundwater recharge, climate regulation and biodiversity conservation across north-western India.