Protests break out over new Aravalli definition in Gurugram and Udaipur

India Dec 20, 2025

On Saturday, activists in Gurugram and lawyers in Udaipur hit the streets to protest the Supreme Court's new definition of the Aravalli mountains.
The fresh rule, approved last month, says only hills rising 100 meters or more count as "Aravalli"—which could leave many smaller ridges unprotected.

Why does it matter?

People are worried this change opens the door for mining and construction on most of the Aravallis—over 90% might lose their protected status.
Experts warn this could speed up desertification, drain groundwater, worsen air pollution, and hurt wildlife across Delhi-NCR, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
Protesters are calling for stronger protection to keep these ancient hills safe for future generations.