SC Halts New Aravalli Definition, Orders Review Amid Mining Fears

• Supreme Court put the new definition of Aravalli Hills in abeyance, citing environmental concerns and potential for rampant mining.
• Notices issued to Centre and states; a high-powered committee proposed to holistically examine the issues, with the next hearing on Jan 21, 2026.
• The committee will identify areas excluded from protection and analyze if regulatory mining causes ecological damage.
• The controversial new definition, accepted on Nov 20, defined Aravalli Hills by elevation (100m+) and Aravalli Range by proximity (500m).
• Union Minister Bhupender Yadav welcomed the SC's decision, assuring a ban on new mining leases, while Opposition leader Jairam Ramesh also welcomed it but criticized the government.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court paused the controversial Aravalli definition, ordering a high-level review to protect the ecosystem.