Aravalli Definition: Centre Defends New Framework Amidst Mining Concerns

Centre defends new Aravalli definition, claiming 90% protection, while critics fear increased mining.

Photo by Rohit yadav

The Centre has strongly refuted allegations that its new definition of the Aravalli Range aims to facilitate large-scale mining, asserting instead that the Supreme Court-approved framework will ensure over 90% of the region remains protected. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasized that mining eligibility would be restricted to a mere 0.19% of the total 1.44 lakh square kilometers of the Aravallis. This clarification comes after the Supreme Court, on November 20, 2025, accepted recommendations from a Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change committee regarding the Aravalli definition.

The new definition specifies an 'Aravali Hill' as any landform in designated districts with an elevation of 100 meters or more above local relief, and an 'Aravali Range' as a collection of two or more such hills within 500 meters of each other. This move is crucial for environmental governance, as a clear definition is expected to provide stronger protection to the ancient mountain system and prevent further degradation, while also addressing the long-standing conflict between conservation and development interests.

Key Facts

Centre rejected claims that new Aravalli definition will allow large-scale mining.

Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stated over 90% of the Aravalli region will remain protected.

Supreme Court accepted recommendations for Aravalli definition on November 20, 2025.

New definition of 'Aravali Hill': Landform with elevation 100 metres or more above local relief.

New definition of 'Aravali Range': Collection of two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other.

Mining eligibility restricted to 0.19% of the total 1.44 lakh sq km Aravalli area.

UPSC Exam Angles

Environmental governance and policy-making (MoEFCC's role)

Judicial intervention in environmental protection (Supreme Court's role)

Geography of Aravalli Range (geological features, extent, ecological significance)

Conflict between conservation and development (mining vs. environment)

Sustainable development principles and challenges in implementation

Impact of land use definitions on environmental protection

Visual Insights

Aravalli Range: Geographic Extent and Key Locations

This map illustrates the geographical spread of the Aravalli Range across several states in India, highlighting key locations and their significance. It also shows the area potentially affected by the new definition and mining regulations.

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📍Rajasthan📍Haryana📍Gujarat📍Delhi📍Mount Abu

More Information

Background

The Aravalli Range, one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world, stretches across Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat. It plays a crucial ecological role, acting as a green lung, a barrier against desertification, and a vital water recharge zone for the region. However, it has faced severe degradation due to illegal mining, deforestation, and unchecked urbanization, leading to significant environmental concerns and legal battles.

Latest Developments

The Centre has introduced a new, Supreme Court-approved definition for the Aravalli Range, aiming to provide clarity for environmental governance. This definition specifies 'Aravali Hill' based on elevation (100m+ above local relief) and 'Aravali Range' as a collection of such hills. While the government asserts it will protect over 90% of the region and restrict mining to a minimal area (0.19%), concerns persist regarding potential loopholes and the long-term impact on conservation efforts.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Aravalli Range and its recent definition: 1. The new definition specifies an 'Aravali Hill' as a landform with an elevation of 100 meters or more above local relief. 2. The 'Aravali Range' is defined as a collection of two or more such hills within 500 meters of each other. 3. The Aravalli Range is primarily located in the states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. 4. Ecologically, the Aravallis are crucial for checking the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert. Which of the statements given above are correct?

A.1, 2 and 3 only
B.1, 2 and 4 only
C.1, 3 and 4 only
D.2, 3 and 4 only

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statements 1 and 2 accurately reflect the new definition as per the news article. Statement 4 is a well-known ecological significance of the Aravallis. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Aravalli Range primarily extends across Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat, not Madhya Pradesh.

2. Which of the following statements best describes the geological characteristics of the Aravalli Range?

A.It is a young fold mountain system formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
B.It is a block mountain system formed due to faulting and upliftment.
C.It is one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world, now largely denuded and appearing as relict mountains.
D.It is a volcanic mountain range formed by successive lava flows over millions of years.

Show Answer

Answer: C

The Aravalli Range is indeed one of the oldest fold mountain systems globally, dating back to the Proterozoic Eon. Over geological time, it has undergone significant erosion and denudation, reducing its height and giving it the appearance of relict mountains. Options A, B, and D describe other types of mountain formations not applicable to the Aravallis (e.g., Himalayas for A, Vindhyas/Satpuras for B, Deccan Traps for D in some aspects).

3. In the context of environmental governance in India, consider the following statements regarding the role of the Supreme Court: 1. The Supreme Court can issue directions to the executive for the implementation of environmental laws. 2. The 'polluter pays' principle and the 'precautionary principle' have been incorporated into Indian environmental jurisprudence primarily through legislative enactments. 3. The concept of 'Public Trust Doctrine' has been invoked by the Supreme Court to protect natural resources. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.1 and 2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.2 and 3 only

Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct; the Supreme Court frequently issues directions to ensure environmental protection and law enforcement. Statement 3 is correct; the Public Trust Doctrine has been significantly used by the Supreme Court to protect natural resources. Statement 2 is incorrect; while these principles are now part of Indian environmental law, they were largely incorporated and developed through judicial pronouncements and interpretations by the Supreme Court, rather than primarily through initial legislative enactments.