Why Are Protests Erupting Over the Aravalli Hills in Rajasthan?

Protests have erupted across Rajasthan as Congress workers and social organizations demand the protection of the Aravalli Hills, following a controversial Supreme Court ruling that redefines the mountain range. Demonstrations turned confrontational in Udaipur, with activists warning of intensified protests if their demands are not met. The new definition, which could potentially undermine legal protections for the range, has sparked significant controversy among environmentalists and political leaders alike. This article delves into the protests, the Supreme Court's ruling, and the implications for the Aravalli ecosystem.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 22, 2025, 16:06 IST

Protests Erupt in Rajasthan Over Aravalli Hills Protection

Jaipur: On Monday, Congress activists along with various social organizations staged protests across Rajasthan, advocating for the safeguarding of the Aravalli mountain range, which is vital to the region.

The protests turned confrontational outside the Udaipur Collectorate, leading to the detention of several demonstrators.

Participants from Congress and other groups assembled near the collectorate, chanting slogans and urging immediate action to protect the Aravallis. Tensions escalated as protesters clashed with law enforcement.

Local community groups, including Karni Sena, called for the Supreme Court to reconsider its recent ruling regarding the definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges, threatening to intensify their protests if their demands are ignored.

In Sikar, peaceful demonstrations took place at Harsh Parvat, where environmental advocates emphasized the need for Aravalli conservation.

One protester raised a poignant question: If people are forcibly removed from their homes, where will they go? While humans can create shelters, what will happen to the wildlife?

In Jodhpur, NSUI members took to the streets, with some climbing over barricades.

Tikaram Jully, the Leader of the Opposition in Alwar, referred to the Aravallis as the lungs of Rajasthan, asserting that Congress would amplify its protests statewide against the Union government's Supreme Court report that redefines the mountain range.

On November 20, the Supreme Court approved recommendations from a committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change regarding the Aravalli Hills and Ranges' definition.

The new criteria state that an Aravalli Hill is any landform in designated districts with an elevation of 100 meters or more above local relief, while an Aravalli Range consists of two or more such hills within 500 meters of each other.

This new definition has ignited significant controversy, with Congress leaders and experts arguing that it could jeopardize 90 percent of the range due to insufficient legal protections.