Petition Addressed To

Hon’ble Supreme Court of India

Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)

National Green Tribunal (NGT)

The Aravalli range is one of the oldest mountain systems in the world and a vital ecological shield for North India. It plays a critical role in groundwater recharge, climate regulation, air-pollution control, and biodiversity protection.

Recent acceptance of a uniform definition of the Aravalli Hills based on a 100-metre height threshold, as proposed in official submissions by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has raised serious environmental concern. Experts warn that a large portion of the historically recognised Aravalli landscape lies below 100 metres and may now lose legal protection despite being ecologically essential.

Restricting protection purely on elevation risks opening sensitive Aravalli areas to mining, quarrying, and construction, potentially causing irreversible environmental damage and long-term public-health impacts, particularly in regions surrounding Delhi-NCR.

This petition does not oppose development, nor does it question the authority of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. It respectfully urges that ecological function, not height alone, be the basis for defining and protecting the Aravalli range.

We Respectfully Urge

A review of the 100-metre height-based definition using ecological and hydrological criteria.

Public disclosure of scientific reports and data relied upon by the MoEFCC.

Interim protection for all historically mapped Aravalli formations, including hillocks below 100 metres, until an independent ecological assessment is completed.

Once damaged, the Aravallis cannot be restored. Their protection is essential for environmental stability, public health, and future generations. We urge timely reconsideration before irreversible harm occurs.