Aravalli definition row: Supreme Court stays its order on ‘100-metre’ rule. All about the controversy

A week later, The Indian Express reported, citing an internal assessment by the Forest Survey of India, that this definition could strip nearly 90% of the Aravalli range of protection, potentially opening vast areas to mining and construction, with serious environmental implications, including for air quality in the National Capital Region.

Why did the Supreme Court approve the panel’s recommendations?

The court had earlier directed the Environment Ministry to constitute a committee under the Environment Secretary to evolve a “uniform definition” of the Aravallis, with the aim of curbing illegal mining and protecting the fragile ecosystem.

Protests across states

Following the court’s acceptance of the definition, protests erupted across Rajasthan, Haryana and other regions. Videos of large public gatherings under the “Save Aravalli” campaign went viral on social media. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot launched a social media campaign on December 18, changing his profile picture and releasing videos countering the Centre’s position.

What has the government said?

Amid the backlash, the Environment Ministry announced a freeze on granting new mining leases across the Aravalli range from Delhi to Gujarat until a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining is finalised. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education has been tasked with preparing a science-based plan and identifying additional no-mining zones. Existing mines will continue under stricter safeguards.

Why did the Supreme Court hear the case again?

With concerns that the revised definition could weaken environmental safeguards, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance to re-examine the issue, bringing the spotlight back on the balance between environmental protection and regulatory clarity.

The SC’s decision on Monday brought cheers for locals and environmentalists. “This judicial intervention was much needed and came at the right time. We had maximum objection to the definition. The committee to be formed should have ecologists, environmentalists, and not just bureaucrats,” said environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari.

#WATCH | Delhi: On SC pausing Aravalli Hills definition order, Environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari says,” This judicial intervention was much needed and came at the right time. We had maximum objection to the definition. The committee to be formed should have ecologists,… pic.twitter.com/8xEJNQZae5

— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2025

Environmentalist Vimlendu Jha told news agency ANI, “The Court made an observation from its personal notes that it is crucial to remove the confusion from the definition of Aravalli… This is a welcome move by the Supreme Court.”