The Supreme Court has accepted the petition against the dispute over the ‘definition’ of the Aravalli hills and the 100 meter formula related to it. This petition has been filed by retired forest officer of Haryana, RP Balwan. In its order dated December 17, the court has sought response on this petition from the Central Government, Haryana and Rajasthan Governments and the Ministry of Environment (MoEFCC).
Hills smaller than 100 meters are at risk
This case is related to the old TN Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India case, in which the Supreme Court had given a broad definition of ‘forest’ in 1996. In November 2025, the court, accepting the recommendation of the committee of the Environment Ministry, had decided on a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills.
Under this, only the hills 100 meters or more higher than the local level will be considered as Aravalli, along with this their slopes and surrounding land will also come under this scope. But the petitioner says that due to this, hills less than 100 meters high will be out of protection, which will cause great harm to the environment.
Danger to the environment of many states will increase
RP Balwan said that the Aravali range extends from Gujarat to Delhi and acts like a wall blocking the Thar Desert. By adopting the 100 meter rule, a large share of it will lose legal protection. He also pointed out contradictions in the ministry’s affidavit and said that this is not just a technical issue but will affect the environment of Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and the entire North-West India.
Protest misunderstanding over 100 meter rule
Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav said that the opposition to the 100 meter rule is based on misunderstanding. No new mining lease will be given until a plan for sustainable mining is prepared. The ministry says that this definition has been in force in Rajasthan since 2006 and most of the area will be protected by it. The court has earlier imposed a strict ban on mining in Aravali in areas like Gurugram, Faridabad and Nuh, because uncontrolled mining causes huge losses.
This petition has come at a time when there is a debate going on about Aravali conservation. Experts believe that this ancient series can be protected only by correct definition. The court will now hear further after the replies of all the parties.
Now let us understand 10 big things about this whole matter…
1. What is the 100 meter rule?
The Aravalli hills will be considered for mining only if they are 100 meters or more higher than the local ground, including their slopes and surrounding land.
2. When was this rule adopted?
In November 2025, the Supreme Court accepted the recommendation of the Environment Ministry’s committee as a uniform definition.
3. Who filed the petition?
The petition was filed by retired forest conservator of Haryana, RP Balwan, who says that this will leave the lower hills out of protection.
4. What is the recent step of the court?
Accepted the petition on 17 December 2025 and sought response from the Central, Haryana, Rajasthan governments and the ministry.
5. What is the warning of the petitioner?
Not considering hills less than 100 meters as part of Aravali will cause huge environmental damage, desert will spread and water problem will increase.
6. What is the government’s stand?
Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav says the protest is a misunderstanding, no relaxation has been given and most of the area is safe. There will be no new mining lease.
7. What is the importance of Aravali?
It is an ancient chain stretching from Gujarat to Delhi, which drains the Thar Desert and recharges water.
8. What is the old case on this matter?
This is related to the TN Godavarman case of 1996, in which a broad definition of forest was given.
9. Is mining banned?
The court has earlier banned mining in many areas, because it causes huge losses, which cannot be compensated.
10. What will happen next in this case?
After receiving the replies from all the parties, the court will take a decision, which will be important for Aravali conservation.
