Gurugram Protests Grow Over New Aravalli Definition, Ecology at Risk
Gurugram Protests Grow Over New Aravalli Definition, Ecology at Risk
Environmental activists rally in Gurugram and Udaipur against the Supreme Court-approved Aravalli definition, warning the change could threaten ecological balance and invite mining and reckless development.
Environmental activists gathered in Gurugram and Udaipur to protest the Supreme Court's ratification of an elevation-based definition for the Aravalli Hills and Ranges. The new definition states Aravalli Hill is any landform in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above its local relief, and an Aravalli Range is a collection of two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other. The protests, led by the Aravalli Bachao Sanstha as part of the Save Aravalli movement, included banners, chants, and a peaceful demonstration near the residence of Haryana cabinet minister Rao Narbir Singh.
Activists argue this redefinition could open doors to mining, construction and commercial activities that threaten the ecological balance of one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges. They warn that weakening protections could lead to loss of forest cover, wildlife habitat, and the fragile climate role the Aravalli plays for Delhi-NCR.
They emphasize that the Aravalli acts as a natural shield against pollution, desertification, and water scarcity for the region around Delhi-NCR, and thus deserves a more stringent protection status. They are calling for a complete protected area status and a clear, strict conservation policy to prevent indiscriminate development.
The protests also spread to Udaipur, with lawyers and locals voicing concerns about how the new definition could be used to justify projects that encroach on ecological spaces. The Save Aravalli movement wants a balance between development needs and ecological safeguards, arguing that sustainable planning should not come at the cost of an irreplaceable landscape.
As India debates environmental governance and the pace of development, activists hope the conversation will lead to stronger safeguards for the Aravalli range and clearer guidelines that align with climate resilience and public health goals.
