ARAVALLI HILLS
Aravallis under 'gravest of threats' by Modi govt's moves: Jairam Ramesh
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated the Aravallis face grave threats. He alleged the Modi government seeks to redefine the hills for development projects. Ramesh hopes the Supreme Court's High Powered Committee will reject these central government moves. Decades of mining have already damaged the Aravallis and imperiled water security. Experts warn that continued mining dust is harming residents and the environment.
Death by breath: How mining dust in Aravallis is killing residents
Unregulated Aravalli mining in Rajasthan has triggered a fatal silicosis crisis, claiming dozens of lives in villages like Syalodra. Affected families face catastrophic medical costs, unaddressed safety hazards and rejected disability certifications. Meanwhile, a Supreme Court-appointed panel skipped visiting these heavily impacted areas ahead of its November deadline.
SC denies Aravalli panel 6-month extension, orders report by Nov 30
The Supreme Court rejected an extension for the Aravalli expert committee. The committee sought time until February 2027 for its comprehensive report. Chief Justice Surya Kant directed the panel to submit its findings by November 30. He urged the committee to work diligently and submit the report promptly. The court also permitted issue-specific interim reports for urgent matters.
Aravalli Hills definition: SC refuses 6-month extension, sets Nov 30 deadline for panel report
The Supreme Court has refused to grant a six-month extension to the Aravalli High-Powered Committee and directed it to submit its report on the definition of the Aravalli Hills by November 30.
Operation Sindoor: Ex-CDS Anil Chauhan reveals why India planned to strike Skardu airbase but switched targets
In a recent disclosure, former CDS Anil Chauhan confirmed that Skardu airbase was identified as a possible target amidst the ongoing Operation Sindoor. Adverse weather conditions thwarted the planned assault, prompting a change in strategy towards a different military base. He stated that the Kirana Hills, home to Pakistan's nuclear installations, were not purposely engaged. Meanwhile, damage in the hills could be attributed to munitions near Sargodha.
Before your next Europe trip, Anand Mahindra wants you to discover Rajasthan's this historic Indian city
Anand Mahindra recently praised Udaipur’s Old City, highlighting its narrow lanes, cleanliness and old-world charm. Founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II, Udaipur is known as the ‘Venice of the East’ and is surrounded by the Aravallis. Rajasthan Tourism highlights attractions including Lake Pichola, City Palace, Monsoon Palace and Jaisamand Lake. Mahindra believes the historic city deserves attention comparable to Europe’s medieval towns.
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Expert committee on Aravalli must consult domain experts, other stakeholders: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has announced the creation of a dedicated expert committee to delineate the Aravalli hills' boundaries. With a focus on community engagement, the panel will include five to seven members who will collaborate with specialists and the public. This decision follows earlier directives that temporarily stopped mining activities and established a collective definition.

Aravalli row: Won't pass order in favour of mining lease holders for now, says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has stopped issuing orders for mining leases in the Aravalli hills. The court is receiving disturbing feedback about mining activities. It will not allow any mining until fully satisfied. This sensitive matter involves ecological concerns. The court previously banned new leases until expert reports are available.

Supreme Court to constitute expert panel to define Aravalli region
The Supreme Court has scheduled a new hearing to form an expert panel for defining the Aravalli hills' boundaries and addressing related concerns. All mining activities have been halted, and this status quo will be maintained. The court previously put in abeyance its decision to accept the Central Environment Ministry's definition, which risked exposing the region to regulated mining.

Supreme Court seeks names for proposed expert panel on Aravalli hills, mining
The Supreme Court is forming an expert committee to study the Aravalli hills definition and mining issues. Farmers have opposed new mining leases. Lawyers are suggesting names for the committee. The court wants to stop illegal mining. Mountain ranges cannot have a strict definition, one lawyer argued. The government assured no illegal mining will occur.

Supreme Court on Aravallis: Illegal mining can cause irreversible damage, expert panel planned
The Supreme Court will form an expert committee to examine mining and related issues in the Aravalli Hills. This committee will conduct a comprehensive study of the region. The court has also extended its earlier order regarding the definition of the Aravalli ranges. Illegal mining is a serious concern with irreversible environmental consequences.

Apex Court keeps its earlier Aravalli order in abeyance
The Supreme Court has put a hold on its earlier orders regarding the Aravalli hills definition. A new expert committee will now study the environmental impact of previous recommendations. This move aims to resolve ambiguities and provide clear guidance on hill definitions. The court will re-examine the matter on January 21, 2026.

Welcome SC order on Aravallis, formation of new panel to study issue: Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav
The Supreme Court has put a hold on its earlier order defining the Aravalli hills. A new high-powered committee will now conduct a thorough study. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav welcomed the decision. The government remains committed to protecting and restoring the Aravalli range. Mining bans for new and renewed leases continue.

Congress hails SC directive on Aravallis, demands Environment Minister's resignation
The Supreme Court has put on hold the Modi government's redefinition of the Aravalli Hills. This move comes after opposition from various bodies. A new expert committee will now study the issue. The court has also sought responses from the Centre and four Aravalli states.

Aravalli Hills case: SC stays decision regarding '100-metre definition' that opened doors to mining
The Supreme Court has put its November 20 decision on hold, which had established a uniform definition for the Aravalli Hills and banned new mining leases. A new expert committee will now examine the definition, with the court issuing notices to the Centre and four Aravalli states for their responses.

Aravalli 100-metre rule explained: What does the SC ruling mean and why has it triggered protests?
The Supreme Court has paused its recent ruling on defining the Aravalli Hills for mining. This decision followed strong objections from environmentalists and political parties. The court had previously accepted a 100-metre elevation rule for regulating mining. The stay allows for further consideration of the definition and its impact on the Aravalli ecosystem.

Real estate development opened up by Rajasthan's double-engine govt to hurt Aravallis more: Congress
The Congress party has accused the "double-engine government" of opening up real estate development in Rajasthan's Aravallis, claiming it will further devastate the ecosystem. This move, they allege, is being made against the Forest Survey of India's recommendations, as the Supreme Court prepares to hear the matter.

Supreme Court to hear suo motu case on Aravalli hills definition on Monday
The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the Aravalli hills definition row. A three-judge bench will hear the matter on Monday. The court previously accepted a uniform definition and banned fresh mining leases. This definition aims to protect the world's oldest mountain system. The court's decision is crucial for environmental conservation and regulating land use.

Jairam Ramesh questions Environment Minister over Aravalli Hills redefinition, cites FSI
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has raised concerns regarding the re-definition of the Aravalli Hills. He questions the new definition which restricts the hills to landforms with an elevation of 100 meters or more. Ramesh cites the Forest Survey of India's 2010 definition which included flatter areas and valleys.

On Aravalli hills, PM Modi’s global talk doesn’t match local action on environment: Congress
The Congress party claims the redefinition of Aravalli hills will leave over 90% unprotected, opening them to mining and real estate. Jairam Ramesh accused the government of weakening environmental laws, stating the new definition only protects hills over 100 meters. This move is seen as an assault on ecological balance, despite a recent ban on new mining leases.

Gujarat govt will never allow commercial activity in Aravalli hills: Minister
Gujarat Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia assures no mining or commercial activity will be allowed in the Aravallis. This statement follows allegations by an AAP MLA that the central government redefined the mountain range to benefit the mining mafia. The minister emphasized the state's commitment to protecting the Aravallis and highlighted a greening campaign.

Amid criticism, Centre clarifies Aravalli stand
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav clarified the new Aravalli hills definition applies only to mining. This aims to stop illegal mining and permit sustainable operations. Only 277.89 sq km of the Aravalli landscape is open for mining. No new leases will be granted until a scientific study is complete. The government is committed to the 'Green Aravalli' mission.

Aravalli hills definition only subject to mining; only 0.19 per cent area open to mining: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav
Addressing a press conference to allay concerns over the revised definition, Yadav said the Modi government remains firmly committed to the Green Aravalli mission and that fears of large-scale ecological dilution are misplaced.

'90% of Aravallis protected', govt clarifies amid mining criticism
The Centre has rejected claims of large-scale mining in the Aravalli region, stating that over 90% will remain protected under a Supreme Court-approved definition. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasised that a freeze on new mining leases is in place until a comprehensive management plan is finalised, countering allegations of destruction.

'Save Aravalli campaign' floods X: Why has the Supreme Court's ruling on Aravallis mountain range triggered an alarm and why experts call it 'death warrant'? Explained
'Save Aravalli campaign' has flooded social media platforms after the Supreme Court accepted the Centre's new definition which establishes a new definition. Considered the green lungs for northern India, the Aravallis prevents the eastward spread of the Thar desert and supports rich biodiversity. The Supreme Court ruling has sparked outrage among experts with some of them calling it a 'death warrant'.

Centre responds as 100-metre hill definition triggers mining fears in Aravallis: All you need to know
The Centre has clarified the definition of Aravalli Hills to address public concerns about mining. A new Supreme Court-backed framework tightens protection for the ancient mountain range. The definition includes landforms rising 100 metres above local relief and associated features. This approach aims to prevent illegal mining and ensure ecological protection for the Delhi-NCR region.

Aravalli hills: No final permission for mining be granted by 4 states till further orders, says SC
The Supreme Court has directed Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat to not grant final permission for mining activities in the Aravalli hills and their ranges until further orders. The order is not to prohibit legal mining activities already carried out in accordance with valid permits and licenses. The court noted issues with illegal mining and permissions granted by the states, and a major issue was with different definitions of Aravalli hills and ranges as adopted by different states.

SC directs Rajasthan govt to stop illegal mining in Aravalli hills within 48 hours
The Supreme Court Tuesday directed the Rajasthan government to stop illegal mining in a 115.34-hectare area in Aravalli hills within 48 hours.
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