Relevance for UPSC: General Studies Paper III (Environment & Ecology); General Studies Paper II (Judiciary–Executive Interface)
Source:Indian Express ;  Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Supreme Court proceedings

Context

The Union Environment Ministry has revised the benchmark for identifying Aravalli hills, in line with Supreme Court directions, by adopting a local relief–based measurement. The change has important implications for environmental protection, land use regulation and mining oversight in north-west India.

What Has Changed

• Earlier method: Based on state minimum elevation combined with slope criteria, leading to broader inclusion of hills and surrounding landscapes.
• Revised benchmark: A landform qualifies as an Aravalli hill only if it rises 100 metres or more above the local surrounding terrain, not absolute elevation.

Key Concerns

• Studies indicate that only a small fraction (around 8–10%) of the traditionally recognised Aravalli landscape meets the new criterion in some regions.
• This may exclude low hills, ridges and slopes that are ecologically vital.
• Environmental groups warn that larger areas could become vulnerable to construction, deforestation and mining pressures, affecting groundwater recharge, wildlife corridors and desertification control.

What Remains Protected

• Wildlife sanctuaries, protected forests and eco-sensitive zones continue to enjoy statutory protection irrespective of the redefinition.

Q. Under the revised Aravalli benchmark, a landform is classified as part of the Aravalli range if it:
A. Lies above a fixed elevation above sea level
B. Has a slope greater than three degrees
C. Rises at least 100 metres above the local surrounding terrain
D. Falls within a notified mining prohibition zone

Correct answer: C