Archive · 24 Dec 2025
Supreme Court Accepts 100-Meter Aravalli Definition
The Supreme Court has accepted a new rule that defines the Aravalli hills as landforms with an elevation of at least 100 meters above their surroundings.
The government proposed this rule, but a group called the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) and the Congress party disagreed, saying it will not protect the hills properly and could harm the environment.
The Forest Survey of India (FSI) had mapped the Aravallis in a way that would protect more of the hills.
The Supreme Court's decision might allow more mining in the Aravallis, which could be bad for the environment.
The government says mining is only allowed in a small part of the Aravallis and has imposed a ban on new mining leases.
The exact impact of the new rule is still unclear, and the government is working on a plan to protect the Aravallis better.
Supreme Court accepts the 100-meter definition for Aravallis proposed by the Ministry of Environment.
Central Empowered Committee (CEC) and Congress oppose the 100-meter definition, favoring the FSI's mapping.
FSI's mapping defines 40,481 sq km as Aravallis in 15 districts, protecting more areas.
The 100-meter definition could lead to ecological consequences and desert expansion.
Government imposes a ban on new mining leases across the entire Aravalli range and assures mining is only allowed in 0.19% of the Aravallis.
- Who
- Supreme Court, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), Central Empowered Committee (CEC), Forest Survey of India (FSI), Congress
- What
- Supreme Court accepts 100-meter definition for Aravallis, government imposes ban on new mining leases
- When
- November 20, 2023 (Supreme Court decision), December 24, 2025 (Government's ban on new mining leases)
- Where
- India (Aravalli range from Delhi to Gujarat)
- Why
- To protect the Aravalli hills from mining and ensure conservation, amid controversy over the new definition
Government and Supreme Court
Congress and Environmental Groups
Definition of Aravalli Hills
Government and Supreme Court
Supports the 100-meter definition for Aravalli hills, stating it standardizes the definition and prevents misuse.
Congress and Environmental Groups
Opposes the 100-meter definition, arguing it is fatally flawed and will lead to ecological consequences and desert expansion.
Mining Leases
Government and Supreme Court
Asserts that mining is only allowed in 0.19% of the Aravalli area and has imposed a ban on new mining leases.
Congress and Environmental Groups
Questions the government's commitment to environmental protection, citing concerns over potential mining in areas below 100 meters.
- Proposed Definition
- 100-meter definition for Aravalli hills
- CEC's Stance
- Opposed the 100-meter definition, favoring FSI's mapping
- FSI's Mapping
- 40,481 sq km as Aravallis in 15 districts
- Supreme Court's Decision
- Accepted the 100-meter definition on November 20, 2023
- Environmental Impact
- Potential ecological consequences and desert expansion
- Government's Assurance
- Mining allowed in only 0.19% of the Aravalli area
- ICFRE's Role
- To identify additional no-mining zones and prepare a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining
Sources
Aravalli Controvery: Why BJP Claims Congress Is Playing Politics Over Mining Rules
Replacing MGNREGA is Historic Mistake: Sachin Pilot
Supreme Court accepted govt’s 100-m Aravalli rule, its own panel had opposed it
Fact-Check: Is This Video From a Save Aravalli Protest in Rajasthan? No!
Why is govt pushing through 'fatally flawed' redefinition of Aravallis, asks Cong
Breaking News Today LIVE: Why Govt Pushing Through 'Fatally Flawed' Redefinition of Aravallis, Asks Congress
On Aravallis, fake claims abound on social media and among activists. Here are the facts
Aravallis — Centre puts complete ban on new mining leases, expands protected zone
Entire Aravallis Will Be Protected; No New Mining Leases: Centre's Big Move Amid Row
Amid Aravalli protests, Centre asks states to impose ‘complete ban on new mining leases’
‘Aravalli’s integrity as a geographical feature lost due to 100-metre definition’ – SC’s own panel disputes its approval
Centre takes big step to protect Aravalli range, asks states to impose ban on new mining leases
Govt Bans New Mining Leases in Aravalli Amid Protests, Exempts Critical Minerals
No new mining in Aravallis: Centre orders blanket ban across Delhi–Gujarat belt
Centre imposes ban on new mining leases in Aravallis, protected zone to be expanded - Telegraph India
No Tampering With Aravallis, "Breath" Of Rajasthan: Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma At NDTV Conclave
Centre Imposes Complete Ban On New Mining Leases Across Entire Aravalli Range To Protect Fragile Ecosystem
