Haryana Revises Aravali Hills Definition 2025: Environmental and Legal Implications

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In 2025, the Haryana government introduced revised criteria for defining the Aravali hills and ranges within the state. The updated guidelines set specific geological and physical benchmarks for land to qualify as part of the Aravalis. While the government cites the need for clear scientific parameters, experts and environmentalists have expressed concern that these changes could exclude significant forested and ecologically sensitive areas, particularly in Gurgaon, potentially exposing them to urban development and mining activities.

Key Changes In Haryana’s Aravali Definition

Under the new rules, for land to be considered part of the Aravali range, it must:

• Rise at least 100 metres above the surrounding terrain.

• Be composed of rocks with a minimum age of one billion years.

• Include only rocks from the Aravali supergroup (Paleoproterozoic) and the Delhi supergroup (Mesoproterozoic).

Younger formations, such as Erinpura granite and Malani rhyolite from the Neoproterozoic era, are excluded from the definition. The revision follows consultations with the Geological Survey of India (GSI), which flagged earlier drafts for scientific inconsistencies.

Comparison With Rajasthan’s Approach

The 100-metre height criterion aligns with Rajasthan’s earlier standard. However, the focus differs: Rajasthan primarily used the classification for regulating mining, whereas Haryana’s stated goal is conservation. Critics note that this narrower definition may reduce forest cover and biodiversity protection more than recommended by GSI. Notably, the Supreme Court had previously rejected Rajasthan’s height-based rule in 2011–12.

Environmental Concerns

Several forested Aravali areas in Haryana fall below the 100-metre threshold, including regions in Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Nuh. Experts argue that ecological significance should not be determined solely by rock age or elevation. These scrub forests and ridges play a critical role in:

• Recharging groundwater aquifers.

• Supporting native flora and fauna.

• Preventing desertification in the Delhi-NCR region.

• Maintaining ecological balance in urbanising landscapes.

Legal And Policy Implications

The revised definition has implications for the 1992 Aravali Notification and subsequent Supreme Court orders that restrict mining and construction. By narrowing the definition, large tracts of forest may lose legal protection, potentially paving the way for real estate and infrastructure projects. Environmentalists contend that the move represents a policy shift framed as a technical adjustment.

Role Of Government Departments

The Haryana Department of Mines and Geology drafted the new definition, but environmental groups question why the Forest and Environment departments were not involved. They emphasize that the Aravalis’ ecological and hydrological functions warrant input from conservation authorities. The geology department maintains that the revised criteria provide clear, verifiable standards consistent with GSI guidelines and the precedent set by Rajasthan.

Geological Background Of Aravalis

The Aravali–Delhi fold belt extends from Gujarat to Delhi and is primarily composed of quartzites, schists, phyllites, dolomites, and marbles. Intrusive granites account for less than 3% of Haryana’s Aravali terrain. The Ajabgarh and Alwar geological groups dominate the region. A uniform definition across states was mandated by the Supreme Court in May 2024 to standardize conservation and land-use measures.

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