Over the past few weeks, an important environmental debate has caused a major environmental controversy to take India by storm, particularly through social networks. Indians across the country are demanding a change in the ruling of the supreme court to change the way in which the ancient Aravali mountain range has been officially identified, which has led to a massive online campaign using an hashtag called #SaveAravalli.
As one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, the Aravalli range extends around 700 kilometers starting from Delhi to Haryana and Rajasthan to Gujarat. For a lot of individuals, these mountains are more than just rocks. They stop wind and desert sand out of the Thar Desert, replenish groundwater, sustain wildlife and forests, and improve the quality of air — particularly for cities such as Delhi that are already struggling with a lot of pollution.
The dispute started after it was revealed that the Supreme Court of India, on the 20th of November, 2025, agreed to a new definition suggested by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. In accordance with this definition only those landforms rising at least 100m above the land surrounding it are officially recognized as belonging to the Aravalli range. Ridges or hills that are smaller regardless of whether they have ecological significance -are no longer able to be considered “Aravalli”.
The Economic Times
This might sound technical however the implications are massive. The data shows that more than 90 percent of the hills in the Aravalli region are under the 100-metre threshold, meaning that the majority of the range could lose its legal protection and become accessible to mining, tree cutting real estate projects, as well as construction.
Why People Are So Angry
The critics of the decisionsuch as environmentalists, scientists activists, citizens, and scientists who say this definition is risky since it could cause massive destruction of the environment. Many say that small hills or ridges regardless of their height have a crucial role in protecting water resources, filtering the air and keeping the sand and dirt from getting into the plains.
On social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit hundreds of thousands of members are posting photos, posts and videos in the hashtag #SaveAravalli. Many are sharing personal comments in the wake of Delhi’s poor air quality is likely to be worsened and pondering whether the development of Delhi should be at the expense to the natural environment.
A few political figures have joined in the discussion. The former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot changed his profile image via social networks to display his support for the campaign, while urging the public and policymakers to reconsider the decision.
Real-Life Protests and Actions
The movement goes beyond on the internet. Villagers and activists have organized symbolic fasts and real protests to show their displeasure. Rural residents as well as environmental groups and youth groups are coming together to demand that the authorities protect the whole Aravalli ecosystem and not just the high hills.
Many have also signed petitions, and are urging the government to reconsider the policies. They believe that once significant parts of the Aravalli disappear from legal protection on paper, mining and development could soon follow, causing long-lasting damage to soils and forests, as well as water and the climate.
What This Means for the Future
The Aravalli controversy is now more than just a environmental or legal issueIt’s now an example of how the people would like the country to be able to balance development and nature. The debate is still ongoing thousands of Indians are listening and sharing their opinions in hopes that this ancient mountain range won’t just be able to survive on paper, but actually too.
