mining ban
90% of Aravalli Hills at Risk: New Definition Threatens India's Ancient Mountain Range
Dec 07, 2025 01:53 am CST
India's ancient Aravalli mountain range faces an unprecedented threat as new environmental guidelines proposed by the Ministry of Environment could remove protection from 90% of its hills. NDTV's investigation reveals ongoing illegal mining despite Supreme Court bans, while environmental experts warn that redefining protected hills as only those exceeding 100 meters in height could trigger widespread ecological destruction across northern India's vital green corridor.
Supreme Court's 100-Metre Elevation Rule Threatens 90% of Aravalli Hills Protection: Environmental and Ecological Implications
Dec 03, 2025 07:37 pm CST
The Supreme Court's approval of a new definition requiring 100-metre elevation for Aravalli Hills classification could exclude 90% of traditionally protected areas. Environmental experts warn this decision threatens groundwater recharge zones, wildlife corridors, and climate regulation functions of this ancient mountain range, while the Court has simultaneously ordered comprehensive mapping and halted new mining leases pending a sustainable development plan.