A strong wave of protests is rising across North India as people come together to protect the Aravalli Range, one of the oldest mountain systems on Earth. The movement, widely known as #SaveAravalli, has spread rapidly after a Supreme Court ruling introduced a new 100-meter height rule to define what officially counts as an Aravalli hill. According to this definition, only hills taller than 100 meters will receive legal protection.
As a result, citizens, environmental groups, and local communities have expressed serious concern. They argue that this rule removes protection from most of the Aravalli landscape. Consequently, many fear that mining, construction, and land clearing will increase in areas that were earlier safeguarded. Because of this fear, protests have moved from local streets to national attention, turning the issue into a major public debate about nature, health, and survival.
Protests Gain Strength Across North India
First, protests began in pockets near the Aravalli region. Soon after, they spread across cities and towns in Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, and Haryana. People gathered in large numbers, formed human chains, and held silent marches. Many chose peaceful demonstrations to show how deeply the issue affects daily life.
At the same time, online activism added momentum. Social media platforms are filled with messages, photographs, and short videos explaining why the Aravallis matter. Through the #SaveAravalli hashtag, people shared stories about dust storms, water shortages, and rising heat. As a result, the movement reached those who may never have visited the hills but depend on them every day.
In addition, online petitions gained thousands of signatures within days. These petitions demand that authorities protect the entire range, not just tall peaks. Protesters repeatedly state that nature does not follow straight lines or fixed measurements. Instead, every ridge, slope, and rocky stretch works together as one system.
Moreover, the movement stands out because of its diversity. Farmers worry about losing fertile soil. City residents worry about air pollution. Students worry about climate change and their future. Together, they argue that weakening the Aravalli weakens life itself in North India. Importantly, many protesters stress that the hills act as a natural barrier against dust storms. When low-lying hills lose protection, dust travels faster and farther. Therefore, people fear that air quality, already poor in many cities, will become even worse.
Supreme Court Decision and the 100-Meter Definition
The protests directly respond to a Supreme Court order issued in November 2025. The court accepted a proposal that defines an “Aravalli hill” using a 100-meter elevation limit. Under this rule, only landforms rising above this height qualify for protection under environmental laws.
Authorities introduced this rule to create uniform standards across states where the Aravallis stretch. These include Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi. Supporters of the rule say it brings clarity and simplifies administration. Additionally, the court placed a temporary pause on new mining leases in certain areas.
However, critics argue that the decision focuses too much on measurement and too little on ecology. The Aravallis are extremely old. Over millions of years, wind and rain have worn them down. As a result, many important parts of the range exist as low hills rather than tall mountains.
Because of this, the 100-meter rule may remove protection from nearly 90 percent of the Aravalli landscape. Consequently, large areas could become legally open for mining, stone crushing, and construction. Environmental groups warn that this creates a dangerous loophole.
Furthermore, experts explain that even small ridges play a big role. They slow down desert winds, hold soil in place, and help rainwater soak into the ground. When authorities ignore these functions, they risk damaging the entire system. Protesters believe that protecting only tall peaks is like protecting the roof of a house while removing its walls.
Why the Aravalli is Critical for Life in North India
The Aravalli Range is around two billion years old. It stretches from Gujarat to Delhi and acts as a natural shield against the Thar Desert. Because of this, it prevents sand and hot winds from moving eastward into fertile regions.
Most importantly, the hills support groundwater recharge. Rainwater flows over rocky surfaces and slowly enters the ground. This process fills underground water reserves that supply cities and villages. Without these hills, rainwater would rush away, leaving little behind. Over time, this would lead to severe water shortages.
In addition, the Aravallis help regulate temperature. Forested patches and rocky terrain reduce extreme heat. When these areas disappear, temperatures rise faster. As a result, heatwaves become more intense and frequent.
The range also supports biodiversity. Forests and grasslands within the Aravallis provide shelter and pathways for wildlife. These corridors allow animals to move safely between habitats. When mining or construction breaks these paths, animals lose access to food and water. Environmental groups warn that removing low hills will widen existing gaps in the range. Through these gaps, desert sand can move easily toward cities. This process, known as desertification, threatens farms, water sources, and homes.
Air quality presents another major concern. The Aravallis act as green lungs for nearby cities. Trees and soil trap dust and pollutants. When hills are flattened, dust rises freely into the air. Consequently, pollution levels increase, affecting children, elderly people, and those with breathing problems.
Overall, the #SaveAravalli movement reflects a growing public understanding that nature supports everyday life. People argue that technical rules should not ignore ecological reality. For them, protecting the Aravalli means protecting air, water, soil, and the future of millions living in North India.
