The Aravalli range occupies a unique place in India’s ecological and cultural landscape. Extending across Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat, the hills play a vital role in groundwater recharge, air quality, and climate moderation in northern India. It is therefore natural that the Supreme Court’s November 20, 2025, order concerning the definition of the Aravalli Hills has generated significant public discussion, both online and in local protests.

Some commentators and civil society groups have expressed apprehension that the ruling could weaken environmental protection or increase mining pressure on the region. These concerns reflect a broader anxiety about ecological degradation and deserve to be heard. At the same time, a careful reading of the order and subsequent official clarifications suggests that the intent and likely impact of the decision may be more limited and structured than is sometimes assumed.

Clarifying A Long-Standing Ambiguity

At the heart of the issue lies a technical question that has troubled regulators for decades: what........

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