SC's New Aravalli Definition Sparks Alarm: Experts Warn of Mining Loopholes, Lost Protection

• The Supreme Court accepted a new definition for Aravalli Hills, requiring landforms to be 100m+ above local relief to qualify, and a range as a cluster of two or more such hills within 500m.
• Legal experts like Dushyant Dave and Varun Chopra warn this redefinition creates significant loopholes, potentially stripping vast areas of ecological protection and opening them to mining and commercial activity.
• Critics argue the new definition fundamentally misunderstands mountain ranges and could leave up to 90% of the Aravallis in Rajasthan vulnerable, impacting groundwater and climate moderation.
• Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav downplays concerns, stating the judgment doesn't relax mining rules and an interim moratorium on new leases is in place, with mining banned in Delhi Aravallis.
• Experts counter that government assurances need formal court placement, and the 100m threshold will still allow exploitation of currently protected areas, urging judicial review.

Why It Matters: New Aravalli definition by SC raises fears of widespread ecological damage and increased mining.