26/12/2025
*Press Release*
*Delhi Citizens Initiative*
Sub : Protest in demand to save Aravali Hills at Jantar Mantar
Dear Sir/Madam,
Today on 25th December a protest demonstration was organised at Jantar Mantar, Delhi under the banner of Delhi Citizens Initiative—a collective of concerned residents, against the Supreme courts order which says that the mountains below the height of 100 meter would not be considered as a part of Aravali range. The speakers while addressing gave emphasis on the escalating threats facing the Aravalli Range. As one of the oldest mountain systems in the world, the Aravallis play a critical role in safeguarding the ecological balance, water security, and air quality of Delhi and surrounding areas. They also expressed grave concern and strongly oppose the Supreme Court’s judgment dated November 20, 2025, in the matter relating to the definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges. This judgment, which accepts a narrow, elevation-based definition proposed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)-led committee, risks irreparably damaging one of India’s most critical ecological barriers. It excludes over 90% of the Aravalli landforms from stringent protection, as most features in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat are lower eroded hills, hillocks, and pediments that do not meet the 100-meter threshold.Hundreds of protesters form various democratic organisation which includes AIMSS, AIDSO, AIDYO, AIUTUC, CPDRS, BSS and Half the Skyother joined the protest
Our demands are :-
1. Direct the MoEFCC to withdraw the 100-meter criterion and notify the entire Aravalli landscape as an Eco-Sensitive Zone under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, with a complete moratorium on non-forest activities.
2. Review and Reconsideration by the Supreme Court: Initiate suo motu review or entertain public interest petitions to revisit the November 20, 2025.
3. Enforcement and Restoration: Strengthen crackdowns on illegal mining, mandate comprehensive mapping by independent bodies
and accelerate reforestation of the Aravallis.
We seek an urgent acknowledgment and opportunity for dialogue.
Issued By
Advocate Deepika Jain
Delhi Citizens Initiative
