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What happened
India's Supreme Court redefined Aravalli hills as landforms at least 100 metres high and forming ranges if close together. This change affects some 147,000 square kilometres spanning several states and the capital. Protesters and environmentalists warn it risks encouraging mining and construction that could damage ecology and groundwater recharge. The government says the definition aims to standardize regulation and protect core areas, with mining allowed only in a small portion after study.
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Key insights
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Change could affect environmental protections: Lower, scrub-covered but ecologically important hills may lose protection under the new height-based definition.
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Government promises mining restrictions: Mining allowed only in 2% of the area, with safeguards and bans in sensitive zones.
Takeaways
While aiming for regulatory consistency, the new Aravalli definition faces opposition due to fears it may increase environmental harm, especially from mining, in ecologically sensitive hills.