| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Aravalli Hills Importance | One of the oldest mountain ranges globally, crucial for preventing desertification, regulating groundwater, and protecting biodiversity in Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat. |
| New Definition | Approved by the Supreme Court in November 2025, defines Aravallis as landforms rising at least 100 metres above surrounding terrain, affecting ecological protection. |
| Protected Areas | Tiger reserves (e.g., Sariska, Ranthambhore), national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs), notified wetlands, and compensatory afforestation plantations remain protected. |
| Exclusions | New definition excludes 99.12% of Aravalli land identified by Forest Survey of India (FSI), reducing coverage from 40,483 sq km to 1,048 sq km in 15 Rajasthan districts. |
| Districts Excluded | Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Nagaur, and other districts earlier recognised as Aravalli-bearing areas. |
| Government Claims | Mining allowed in 0.19% of Aravalli area; new definition includes more land than FSI's 3-degree slope method in 12 districts. |
| Environmental Risks | Potential threats include expansion of real estate projects, infrastructure development, loss of groundwater recharge zones, and increased heat stress and air pollution. |
| Critics' Concerns | New definition could weaken long-term environmental protection, increase illegal mining, and exclude ecologically significant areas. |
| Supreme Court Involvement | Environment Ministry defended the 100-metre benchmark before the Supreme Court, citing broader inclusion than FSI's method. |
Workflow
Login
Contact Counsellor