The Aravalli Hills, India’s oldest mountain range, are facing a serious threat. A Supreme Court ruling on November 20 redefined “Aravalli” as only hills rising 100 metres or more. Experts warn this could remove protection from over 90% of the range. Stretching across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi, the Aravallis are vital for clean water, biodiversity, and preventing desert spread. Environmentalists and citizens are now raising their voices to save this natural treasure.
Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Controversy
The new rule has alarmed environmentalists and local communities. Many small hills, important for water and wildlife, will lose legal protection. Mining and construction projects could expand in these areas, harming nature and local livelihoods. Social media campaigns such as #SaveAravalli, protests in Jaipur, and symbolic fasts show how deeply people care about conserving this two-billion-year-old range.
Environmentalists Demand Strong Action
Neelam Ahluwalia is an activist working to save the Aravalli Hills. She wants the entire range declared a critical ecological zone and calls for strict rules to stop mining and uncontrolled urban development. She also suggests using alternative building materials to protect nature. Without action, desertification, water shortages, air pollution, and wildlife loss could worsen. Protecting the Aravalli Hills is essential for the environment and the lives of millions of people in India.
