The Supreme Court heard the case related to the definition of Aravalli Hills and Range on Monday (December 29, 2025) and stayed its old order. Chief Justice Surya Kant said, ‘It is necessary to consider whether controlled mining will be allowed in these 500 meter gaps. If so, what exact structural standards will be adopted to ensure that ecological sustainability is not affected?

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of this matter amid the controversy over the definition and range of Aravalli Hills. Along with CJI Surya Kant, Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice Augustine George Masih are also included in the bench. The court has put a stay on the earlier decision of the Supreme Court for the time being.

On 20th, the Supreme Court had approved a uniform and scientific definition of the Aravalli hills and range. Also, a ban was put on granting new mining leases in the Aravalli region spread over Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat until the experts’ report came.

The CJI said that it should also be decided whether 1,048 hills out of 12,081 meet the 100 meter height criteria is factually and scientifically correct or not. It will also have to be determined whether geological investigation is necessary.

CJI Surya Kant said that thereafter, the Supreme Court proposes to constitute a high-level expert committee to assess the report for a comprehensive examination of the above mentioned questions. He said that at the same time, the areas to be excluded from the Aravalli region should be identified in detail and it should also be examined whether such exclusion increases the risk of erosion while compromising the ecological integrity of the Aravalli mountain range.

On behalf of the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that before constituting the committee, the honorable courts will have to determine which areas the committee will investigate. CJI Surya Kant said that we consider it necessary that the recommendations of the committee and the instructions of this court be kept in abeyance for the time being. This moratorium will remain in effect until the formation of the committee. Notice is issued for 21st January. SG Tushar Mehta said that notice has been issued to the states not to carry out any further mining activity.

Former forest conservation officer RP Balwan has also filed a petition in this regard. RP Balwan says that the height scale of 100 meters for the Aravalli hills will weaken the efforts to conserve this vast mountain range. The Aravalli range extends from Gujarat to Delhi and acts as a wall between the Thar Desert and the northern plains. Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav says that no new mining lease will be given until a management plan is prepared for sustainable mining in Aravali.

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The Supreme Court has given a new verdict on the Aravali mining case on Monday (December 29, 2025). The court has put a stay on its previous decision and has given instructions to form a new committee to study this matter. The Congress Party welcomed this decision of the Supreme Court and said that the court has corrected its mistake. Along with this, Congress has also demanded the resignation of Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav.

Court has corrected its mistake: Jairam Ramesh

National General Secretary of Congress and former Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said on Monday (December 29, 2025) that I salute the Supreme Court that they have taken cognizance of this matter and given this decision. The Supreme Court has corrected its mistake. He said that I demand the resignation of Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav.

Jairam Ramesh said, ‘164 mining leases were given on the Aravalli hills. The work of selling the hill was going on. How was the definition given on the Aravalli mountain range that only hills higher than 90 meters should be considered Aravalli hills? He said that now the export committee has been formed, I hope that there will be a proper review.

Congress leader’s taunt on BJP

At the same time, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has also targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding the Supreme Court’s decision. He said that Bharatiya Janata Party has a government of four engines. Notices have also been given to them in four states (Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat). He said that our movement will continue.

The court put a stay on its previous order

In fact, on Monday (December 29, 2025), the Supreme Court gave a new decision regarding the definition of Aravalli mountain ranges and the mining issue. In this decision, the court has currently put on hold its decision given last month on November 20, 2025. Apart from this, the court has also directed to form a new high level committee of experts to study in depth the entire matter related to the Aravali mountains.

Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav welcomed this decision of the Supreme Court. He said that the government is fully committed to the protection of the Aravalli hills and there is a complete ban on new mining leases or renewal of old leases in the Aravalli range.

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Amidst the silent hills of Aravali, there is a fort, whose walls speak history and there is a mystery hidden in the silence. Where once it was not possible for the common man to reach the shadows, today tourists seek adventure there. It is said that Kuber’s treasure is buried in the depths of this fort, and those who tried to get it never returned. Let’s find out who built it.

Historical importance of Aravalli and Bala Fort

The Aravalli mountain range is considered to be the oldest mountain range of India, whose age is said to be about 2.5 billion years. These hills are the natural shield preventing Rajasthan from becoming a desert. The famous Bala Fort of Alwar is situated on a high peak of this Aravalli, which has remained a silent witness of the history of North India for centuries.

Who laid the foundation of Bala Fort?

According to historians, in the year 1492 AD, Mewat ruler Hasan Khan Mewati had laid the foundation of Bala Fort. This place was very important from a strategic point of view, because from here the entire surrounding area could be monitored. This is the reason why this fort was considered the strongest sentinel of the security of Mewat.

impenetrable structure and military strength

This fort, about five kilometers long and one and a half kilometers wide, is known for its military structure. 446 small holes made in its walls allowed the soldiers to attack the enemy while remaining safe. Apart from this, 66 bastions were built in the fort, which included 15 big and 51 small bastions. Every activity was monitored from these towers, due to which it was almost impossible for the enemy to come secretly.

The mysterious story of Kuber’s treasure

The most famous story of Bala Fort is about Kuber’s treasure hidden here. According to folklore, there is immense wealth buried in the tunnels and secret chambers beneath the fort. It is said that the Mughals used their strength, the Marathas laid siege and the Jat rulers also searched, but no one found the treasure. Many people consider it a mere legend, while others call it a mystery that can prove fatal.

Once banned, today a center of tourism

There was a time when permission had to be taken from the SP of the district to enter Bala Fort. Due to security reasons this area was closed to the general public. Today the situation has changed. Now tourists can see this historical heritage closely by registering their names at the main gate, although the mysterious aura of the fort still remains intact.

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Bhilwara District Congress Dehat President and former Revenue Minister of Rajasthan, Ramlal Jat has fiercely targeted the policies of the Central Government. Ramlal Jat said that the current decisions are a direct attack on democracy, the Constitution and the soul of the working class. He has described the working style of the Central Government as a symbol of dictatorial mentality.

He put the government in the dock regarding mining in the Aravalli ranges and Sariska region. He said that Aravali is the lifeline of Rajasthan, this mountain range maintains the balance of rainfall in the state. If it is destroyed then Rajasthan can turn into a desert. He said that such decisions are not only a compromise with the environment but are also fatal for humanity and indirectly benefit the enemies of the country.

Objection expressed on changing the name of MNREGA

In his address, Jat has expressed strong objection to the decision to change the name of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA). He said that this is not just a change of name, but a conspiracy to weaken the rights of the rural poor and labourers.

The former minister said that earlier the action plan of MNREGA was made in the Gram Panchayats, which ensured employment and development as per the local needs, but now the Central Government has snatched this right from the Panchayats and imposed the schemes from above, which is against the democratic system.

Result of name change shown through street play

During the demonstration, Congress workers effectively presented the ill effects of changing the name of MNREGA and cutting rights through street drama. The atmosphere at the venue echoed with slogans like “Take back black laws”, “Restore NREGA”.

On this occasion, many senior Congress leaders and officials were present on the stage, including Akshay Tripathi, Kailash Vyas, Anil Dangi, Madhu Jaju, Hemendra Sharma, Rajendra Trivedi, Omprakash Naraniwal, Hagamilal Mewada and Gyanmel Khatik.

At the end of the program, the speakers in one voice demanded the central government to withdraw the anti-people decisions, restore MNREGA in its original form and give priority to environmental protection and warned that if the voice is not heard then the movement will be intensified.

Political and environmental rhetoric continues regarding the definition of the Aravalli mountain range in Rajasthan. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has raised the question that why did the current BJP government again support the 100 meter formula which was rejected by the Supreme Court in 2010?

The issue came to light when the Supreme Court accepted the recommendations of the Environment Ministry’s committee on November 20. Gehlot alleges that this could open the way for Aravali to be handed over to the mining mafia and the environmental future of the state could be in danger.

What does the new definition say and why the objection to it?

According to the new definition suggested by the committee of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Aravalli mountain range will be considered as the topography whose height is at least 100 meters or more above the local terrain and a group of two or more hills is present within 500 meters.

Ashok Gehlot says that by implementing this definition, about 90 percent of the Aravalli ranges of Rajasthan will be out of legal protection. According to him, this change will take a large part of the hills out of the Aravalli range, which can boost mining and construction activities. Gehlot described it as extremely dangerous from environmental point of view and said that it will have a direct impact on water, forests and land.

What is the stand of the central government?

Rejecting Gehlot’s claim, Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav has said that with the new definition approved by the Supreme Court, more than 90 percent of the Aravalli region will come under the purview of protected area. Senior BJP leader Rajendra Rathore also termed Gehlot’s statement as misleading and baseless.

According to Rathore, the new framework is more strict and scientific than before, which will strengthen environmental protection. BJP says that the opposition is trying to spread fear without facts. On this issue, both the Central and State Governments have assured that there will be no compromise on the conservation of Aravali.

2010 decision and Gehlot’s question

Ashok Gehlot reminded that in 2003, an expert committee had recommended the definition of 100 meters from the livelihood and employment perspective. On the basis of this recommendation, the then state government had filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court on 16 February 2010, but the court rejected this definition within three days.

Gehlot said that his government accepted the court order and later got the Aravali mapped by the Forest Survey of India. To stop illegal mining, remote sensing, a budget of Rs 7 crore and direct responsibility of the officials was fixed. He raised the question as to why the same definition was brought forward again and whether there is any pressure or conspiracy behind it.

After the recent decision of the Supreme Court, the atmosphere in Sirohi district has completely heated up regarding the Aravalli mountain range. There is tremendous awareness among the people regarding the ban on mining and environmental protection around Aravali. “Save Aravali” campaign is gaining momentum across the district and protests have intensified from social media to streets.

Guru Shikhar, the highest peak of Aravali, is located in Sirohi district. It is noteworthy that Guru Shikhar, the highest peak of the Aravalli mountain range, is located in Mount Abu in Sirohi district of Rajasthan, whose height is about 1722 meters (5650 feet). This mountain range is not only a historical and natural heritage, but is also considered the basis of water, environment and biodiversity of the entire region.

Concern increased over proposed mining project in 800 hectares

A large mining project is proposed in the areas adjacent to the Aravalli mountain range in Sirohi district, covering about 800.9935 hectares (about 3200 bighas) of land. This project is proposed very close to the Aravalli Range in Vatera, Bhimana, Bharja and Rohida Gram Panchayat areas of Pindwara Tehsil.

Local people say that if this mining project is implemented, it will cause irreparable damage to Aravali and the environmental balance of the entire area will be disturbed. Due to which there is tremendous anger among the people.

Continuous protests, rallies and mahapanchayats for three months

Thousands of people have taken to the streets for the last three months in protest against the proposed limestone mining project in Pindwara area. Protest rallies, demonstrations and mahapanchayats of all communities are being organized in the district. Recently, in the big Sarva Samaj Mahapanchayat held two days ago, a clear ultimatum was given to the government.

Big movement announced from 28th January 2026

In the Mahapanchayat, Sarva Samaj unanimously demanded the cancellation of the proposed mining project of Kamlesh Metacast and warned that if the government does not withdraw the decision, a big public movement will be started from January 28, 2026.

Illegal mining has already caused huge losses

Local people allege that illegal mining has already taken place on a large scale in Sirohi district, which has caused serious damage to the historical ranges of Aravali. Now after the recent orders of the Supreme Court, there is more anger among the people due to the fear of increase in mining activities. According to the court order, mountains less than 100 meters high will not be considered Aravali.

All society united, pledge to save Aravali

At present, the entire society in Sirohi district seems to be united and in the mood for a decisive fight to save Aravali. People clearly say that the destruction of Aravali in the name of development will not be accepted at any cost. The awareness that has come among the people about Aravali is praiseworthy. People have unanimously become aware about saving Aravali. And have started preparations for a big movement.