Supreme Court stays 100-metre Aravalli definition, sparks jubilation

Jaipur: In a decision hailed as historic, the Supreme Court's stay on the contentious 100-metre definition of the Aravalli range triggered widespread relief and jubilation across Rajasthan. Environmentalists, conservation groups, and politicians united in welcoming the move, seen as a crucial step to protect India's oldest and most fragile mountain system from mining, construction, and real estate activity. The court's intervention was celebrated by activists and experts who long protested what they called an arbitrary and diluted interpretation, fearing it would open ecologically sensitive land to destruction. Professor LK Sharma of Central University of Rajasthan, an expert on the subject, hailed the ruling. "Today, we celebrate a monumental win for the Aravalli Hills! The Supreme Court stayed the 100-metre definition, paving the way for their comprehensive protection. This victory is a testament to the relentless efforts of grassroots activists, environmentalists, and citizens across India who rallied together to #SaveAravallis," he said. Echoing the sentiment, BJP leader Rajendra Rathore urged the state govt to establish an Aravalli Development Authority for long-term conservation. "The decision to stay its earlier order and to constitute an expert committee is historic and far-sighted," he said. Rathore added that the newly formed committee would analyse an existing expert report and submit fact-based suggestions to the Supreme Court, which observed the report was misinterpreted. The court continued the ban on mining in the region, listing the next hearing for January 21, 2026. From the opposition, Tikaram Jully, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, called the stay a resounding victory. "The Aravallis are the ‘tilak' on Rajasthan's forehead—our identity and shield. Under the BJP govt's watch, the mining mafia is trying to erase this ‘tilak'," he said, vowing to continue the struggle for full protection. Environmentalist Neelam Ahluwalia of the Aravalli Virasat Jan Abhiyaan stressed the need for stronger safeguards. "Whatever is left of the Aravalli range needs to be declared an ecologically sensitive region where no more destructive activities are allowed. India's oldest mountain range does not need ‘sustainable mining plans' but needs to be protected and conserved. No mining is sustainable," she asserted, calling for all limiting definitions to be scrapped.