Archive · 23 Dec 2025
Aravalli Hills Mining Definition Sparks Debate
There's a big argument about how to protect the Aravalli hills in India.
The government says only a tiny part (0.19%) can be mined, and most of it will stay protected.
But some people, like a lawyer named Hitendra Gandhi and Congress leaders, think this new rule will hurt the hills.
They say the government is trying to let mining happen, which could damage the environment.
The government says they are committed to protecting the hills and that the new rule is actually stricter.
People are planning protests to show they want the hills to stay safe.
Some people also think the government is trying to change rules to help mines near a place called Sariska, but the government says that's not true.
The Supreme Court accepted a new definition of the Aravalli hills based on a 100-metre elevation criterion, allowing mining on 0.19% of the area.
The Centre clarified that over 90% of the Aravalli region remains protected and that a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining is required before any mining activity.
Congress leaders accused the Modi government of 'selling' the Aravalli range and planned protests on December 26 in Jaipur.
Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot criticized the BJP for reviving a discredited 100-metre definition rejected by the Supreme Court in 2010 and alleged attempts to weaken environmental safeguards.
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma assured that no mining will be permitted in the Aravalli range and that his government is committed to its conservation.
- Who
- Lawyer-activist Hitendra Gandhi, Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh, Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot, Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma, BJP leader Rajendra Rathore
- What
- Debate over the new 100-metre elevation definition of the Aravalli hills for mining purposes
- When
- Following the Supreme Court's acceptance of the new definition and subsequent clarifications and protests
- Where
- India, specifically the Aravalli hills region in Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi
- Why
- Concerns over potential environmental damage and political motivations behind the new definition
- Aravalli Hills Area
- 1.47 lakh square kilometres
- Area Eligible for Mining
- 217 square kilometres (0.19%)
- Protected Zone Percentage
- 90%
- Management Plan Requirement
- Sustainable Mining Management Plan (MPSM)
- ICFRE Permission
- Required before any mining activity
- Protest Date
- December 26
- Protest Location
- Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Supreme Court Order Date
- November 20, 2025
- CEC Notification Date
- September 5, 2023
- Sariska Approval Dates
- June 24-26, 2024
- Supreme Court Stay Date
- August 6, 2024
Sources
Lawyer-activist urges CJI, President to revisit Supreme Court’s 100-metre Aravalli definition
Modi govt engaged not in saving Aravali, but in selling, says Congress; protests planned on Dec 26
Mining legal on 0.19% of area covered by Aravallis: Govt
‘Save Aravalli’ movement intensifies across Rajasthan; 1,000-km Padyatra announced
Centre Defends Top Court's Aravalli Order Amid Mining Fears
Ashok Gehlot accuses centre of ‘selling’ Aravallis, alleges bid to weaken environmental safeguards
Redrawing lines
Centre Conspiring to Sell Aravallis to Benefit Mining Interests: Gehlot
Mining only in 0.19% of Aravalli, after detailed study: Minister
Explained: Aravalli benchmark could have effects beyond mining
Bhupender Yadav rules out new mining in Aravalli till plan is finalised by government
Redefining Aravallis to curb illegal mining, says Union environment minister
‘Mining in Aravalli possible only in 0.19% area’: Environment minister urges to ‘stop spreading misinformation’
Aravalli Hills Order Explained: What Supreme Court Says On The New Definition And Mining
‘No way this is acceptable’: In Rajasthan, protests mount as Aravallis face mining threat
Jairam Ramesh Counters Union Environment Minister's Clarification On Aravalli Hills, Raises More Questions
Jairam Ramesh Raises Alarm Over Environment Ministry’s Stance on Aravalli Mining and Conservation
How Aravallis influence air pollution in Delhi-NCR—why protection of India's oldest mountain matters
Rajasthan Congress Announces Aravalli Bachao Agitation in 19 Districts
Manesar To Gairtapur, Here Are Areas That May Not Be Part Of Aravalli Anymore
Aravalli hills issue: Decoding the 100-metre benchmark and the use of ‘local profile’
What are the Aravallis? The decades-long quest to define a 2-billion-year-old range
No Study Says Only 9% Aravalli Above 100 Meters: Forest Survey Of India Clarifies
