A recent interpretation by the Supreme Court has raised serious concerns about the future of the Aravalli mountain range, one of the oldest mountain systems in India. According to a Special Report, environmentalists fear that nearly 90% of the Aravallis could lose legal protection due to the court’s new definition of what qualifies as a “hill.”

The apex court has ruled that only land rising more than 100 metres can be officially classified as a hill. This interpretation has major implications for the Aravalli range, as a large portion of it does not meet this height requirement. An internal assessment by the Forest Survey of India shows that out of 12,081 mapped hills in the region, only 1,048 rise above 100 metres. This means that the remaining hills may no longer fall under statutory environmental protection.

The report highlights growing political and environmental concern over the ruling. Rajasthan MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, warning that the decision could lead to “irreversible environmental destruction.” He expressed worry that removing protection from such a vast area would severely damage the fragile ecosystem of the Aravallis.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has also voiced concern. He cautioned that redefining natural features like hills could be harmful to the environment and may set a dangerous precedent. According to him, such changes risk weakening long-standing safeguards meant to protect natural landscapes.

The programme also focuses on the ongoing #SaveAravalli campaign, which aims to draw attention to the environmental importance of the range. The Aravallis play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and are especially important in checking air pollution levels in and around Delhi. Any large-scale loss of protection could therefore have serious environmental consequences beyond Rajasthan.

Environmentalists featured in the report argue that the ruling, while based on a technical definition, could open the door to increased mining, construction, and degradation in the region. They stress that the Aravallis are already under pressure and that further weakening of protection could threaten their very existence.