In a remarkable step for environmental regulation, the Indian Supreme Court has granted the 100-metre rule of the government for Aravalli Hills, ignoring the objections of its own committee, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
Background
The dispute is about on what basis the Aravalli Hills are and what environmental laws do they get protection under. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC) put forward a plan in October 2025 to the effect that only hills having a height of more than 100 metres would be recognized as Aravallis for the purpose of regulation. This regulation in effect denies lower hills the right to some of the protective measures.
The Forest Survey of India (FSI) had previously described Aravallis using a 3-degree slope rule, which encompassed smaller hills and lower ranges of the Aravalli system. In doing so, the environmentalists and ecologists pointed out that cutting off at a height of 100 metres could mean that lower hills, which are ecologically very sensitive, would not receive protection, which in turn could harm the biodiversity, water resources, and ecology in the region.
Panel’s Position
On October 14, 2025, the CEC, the Supreme Court-appointed panel that monitors environmental compliance in sensitive areas, clarified in a letter to the court’s amicus curiae that it did not examine or approve the government’s new 100-metre definition. The CEC emphasized that FSI’s slope-based definition should be adopted to ensure comprehensive protection of the entire Aravalli range.
Supreme Court Decision
Even though the Chief Election Commissioner brought up several issues, the Supreme Court approved the government’s suggestion and legalized the 100-meter rule. Consequently, for the sake of law and administration, the hills with a height of 100 meters or above alone will be regarded as Aravalli Hills and thus be protected from the environmental rules applicable to them.
Implications
The decision has generated mixed reactions:
- For the supporters, the 100-metre rule is something that gives certainty and uniformity not only for development but also for regulatory enforcement.
- On the other hand, environmentalists are saying that by not considering the lower hills the mining, which is quite likely going to be the case, will not be checked, construction will come and there will be further destruction of the already small but ecologically important hill ranges.
Current Status
The 100-metre Aravalli rule has been acknowledged and officially recognized but still, there is an ongoing discussion about its long-term environmental impact especially in terms of water recharge areas, forests and biodiversity hotspots in the lower Aravalli areas.
