• Curated excerpts from numerous articles on the Aravalli controversy so you get to know the pros and cons. Followed by pictures of Aravallis in Rajasthan and generic suggestions.

Ever since the Supreme Court (SC) order of November 2025 and more in December 2025, the conservation of Aravallis (AL) is prime space in print and time in electronic media. It has assumed so much importance that former CJI Gavai, appeared on TV for a chat with Arnab G.

As per this map and sources, AL extends from Gujarat to Delhi including Rajasthan and Haryana. AL does not have peaks like in the Himalayas. “Their importance lies in networks of low ridges, shallow slopes, rocky outcrops and seasonal drainage systems that together regulate wind flow, water infiltration and habitat connectivity.” 6

For a Map of Aravalis by State and Major Events in AL Protection 1995-2025 AND Zinc mining in the Zawar region of Rajasthan – Udaipur district

This photo feature starts with brief extracts from media reports followed by photographs of the AL in Rajasthan and some generic suggestions because I am no expert on the subject.

1. Business Standard 24/12/2025 by Saket Kumar

a. 1,44,000 sq kms is the total land area of AL.

b. 1,852 sq km is Mining area of AL.

c. Major mining areas – Gurugram, Faridabad, Rewari, Jaipur, Alwar, Ajmer.

d. User industries of minerals – Zinc is auto, steel. Lead is batteries. Silver is Solar, electronics. Limestone is cement, housing. Marble is construction. Gypsum is Fertilizer. 

e. More than 70 minerals found in AL with 65 being extracted on commercial scale.

f. “Acting on the recommendations of a Centre-appointed expert committee, the SC accepted a uniform, height-based definition of the AL. An AL is any landform rising more than 100 metres above surrounding terrain and an AL range consists of two or more such hills within 500 metres from each other.”

g. “Concern is low lying hills are endangered and impact of groundwater recharge, dust control and climate regulation.

h. Widening gaps in the range could intensify dust storms and worsen air pollution in Delhi and neighbouring states.”

Minister of Environment Bhupendra Yadav said, “no new mining leases would be granted except in case of critical, atomic and strategic minerals.” (HT 24/12/25). Activists say TV interviews mean nothing. The government must notify the laws and rules.

2. Times of India 28/12/25

“Over 1,240 mining leases existing across AL region. Together these cover 17,393 hectares within the AL system. Table in report.”

Mining Leases in Aravalli

3. Hindustan Times 24/12/25

Will the new definition of AL apply to atomic and critical minerals?

My question – who decides which are critical minerals. Their use can be justified since for the sake of development and reducing carbon footprint/pollution. 

4. Hindustan Times 25/12/25

 The Union Enviorment Ministry directed Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana state governments not to grant any fresh mining leases across the AL range until a comprehensive management blueprint is drawn up for what is a critical mountain range in the region is drawn up.   

One of the many reasons why the three Farm Laws failed to find acceptance is because the government did not communicate its benefits and reasons clearly. Is the Centre repeating the mistake? Read  How the BJP can affect change

5. Indian Express 26/12/25 Over 7,000 illegal mining FIRs in Rajasthan in 7 years; 4,000-plus in Aravalli districts alone.

What matters is Convictions, not FIRs registered. Our system invariably gives bail and cases drag on for years.

6. Tribune 26/12/25 Why the definition of the Aravalis was changed?

“Earlier, the SC, vide its order dated February 19, 2010, did not accept the 100-m criterion. It directed the Forest Survey of India (FSI) to conduct a survey of the entire Aravalli range, specifically directing: "… The satellite imagery shall be carried out of the entire hill range (Aravalli) in the State of Rajasthan and it shall not be confined to peaks/parts of hills above 100 m from the ground level."

After examining several methodologies, the FSI adopted a 3-degree slope criterion and identified 40,481 sq km of area falling under the Aravalli hills in 15 districts of Rajasthan and submitted the same.”

“However, what will be the ramifications of this ruling on the ground? Taken from local relief:

i) Of nearly 47,880 acres of the Aravallis in Gurugram and Faridabad, over 90% of the gair mumkin pahar areas —over 45,000 acres — will be excluded. A handful of hills in Rewari, Mahendragarh and Bhiwani would proudly remain as the 'Aravallis'. Nuh, with significant high hills, would be the star in Haryana.

ii) An FSI internal study, as reported by a newspaper, suggests that only 1,048 hills out of the 1,18,000 geotagged by the FSI are above 100 m in 15 districts of Rajasthan.”

7. ThePrint 22/12/25 Link

“On X, Yadav posted that most of the “1.44 lakh sq km” of the Aravallis remain protected, with only 0.19 per cent of the area eligible for mining. However, in an apparent contradiction, he also said to the press on the same day that “the total Aravalli area is about 1.47 lakh sq km” and that “217 sq km, nearly 2 per cent, is eligible for mining”. These numbers are not found in the MOEFCC committee’s report on Aravallis or in the Supreme Court’s order on 20 November.”

8. Down to Earth 26/12/25 Link

“Mining of marble, granite, dolomite and other minerals supports livelihoods and contributes to state revenues, particularly in Rajasthan. For many communities, extractive activity has been one of the few available sources of employment.”

9. Importance of Aravlis Indian Express 27/12/25 Link

“Ecologist and curator of the Aravali Biodiversity Park, Gurgaon, Vijay Dhasmana, said that rocks in Aravallis are highly fractured, weathered and porous, allowing rainwater to percolate deep into the ground instead of running off the surface. On the biodiversity and wildlife front, the ranges provide a unique dry, deciduous, and semi-arid landscape for a host of flora and fauna to flourish. The range is home to 22 wildlife sanctuaries, including 16 in Rajasthan, three of which-Ranthambore, Sariska, and Mukundra-are tiger reserves.” 7

Photographs of Aravalis clicked during my travels.

Udaipur, Pushkar and around

Pushkar Sarovar with hills in backdrop. See low lying hills. 2017. 

View from Kumbalgarh Fort i.e. about 2 hours drive from Udaipur, where Maharana Pratap was born. 2008. 

Lake Pichola with AL in the background. Pic courtesy MMCFoundation, Udaipur. 2017. 

Village Delwara near Udaipur. View from Devigarh Palace Hotel room. 2017. 

Jaipur

View from Jaigarh Fort i.e. close to famous Amber Fort. 2006. 

Bundi and Abu Road (closer to Gujarat)

View from Bundi Fort. See hills and waterbody. 2009. 

Solar panels at Brahma Kumaris, Abu Road. 2018. 

Read  Before you outrage read this guide to protecting the Aravalis

I am no expert but some thoughts –

1. We need a common definition of Aravalli i.e. common across states.

2. Satellite images of what constitutes Aravalli should be available on a dedicated site.

3. Name and Key Terms of Lease should be linked to above Aravalli map and be accessible online.

4. The controlling authority and eventual responsibility lies with the Ministry of Environment, New Delhi. They will need to work with individuals states in the spirit of co-operative federalism.

5. The Centre must identify where minerals can be imported instead for e.g. the recent Free Trade Agreement with Oman allows import of marble.

6. 100 metres is 328 feet. This needs a revisit.

7. Height of hill has to be measured from the base correct!

8. Centre needs to communicate clearly and in writing.

9. The impact on pollution in NCR should be evaluated whilst deciding matter. Aravallis are a natural barrier against the advancing Thar Desert.

10. If the Centre believes that limestone mining has to be increased to cater for increased housing and infrastructure needs, it should explore importing cement.  

11. Speak to local communities. 

To read SC order of November 2025 click on PDF

To hear Arnab Goswami interview with former CJI Gavai 19 minutes

We should learn from the problems faced in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Anyway, read reflect and decide for yourself.

Also read

1. Why activists and government are clashing over Aravali height

2. Debunking the Aravali fakery

3. For a Map of Aravalis by State and Major Events in AL Protection 1995-2025

4. Zinc mining in the Zawar region of Rajasthan – Udaipur district  

5. Dadam hill lays bare how illegal mining ravaged the Aravalis

6. The Aravalli debate is ultimately not just about metres, maps or mining leases

7. Why the Aravallis matter for the climate, air, and water of north India plains

8. PIB Press Release on Aravallis

9. How the BJP can affect change