Ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on the Aravalli case, Rajednra Singh, known as the Waterman of India, has written a letter to the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, urging the Supreme Court to reconsider its November 20 decision that accepted the central government’s proposal to consider landforms at an elevation of 100 metres or more above the local relief to be part of the Aravallis.
Expressing deep concerns regarding the judgment, Singh wrote in his letter, “The Aravalli mountain range has been dedicated for centuries to the conservation of nature, water, and land. The Supreme Court’s decision is extremely distressing, as it has resulted in the demarcation and division of the Aravalli. This has fragmented the ecological integrity and continuity of the Aravalli into thousands of small hills.
Adding further, Singh mentioned, ” More than 90 per cent of the remaining area has been opened up for mining and development. There is no hill of 100 metres in height on the Delhi-Haryana border. As a result, all protected areas of the Aravalli can now be opened for new mining and development, and the Thar Desert could enter Delhi.”
In his letter, the water conservationist emphasised that Aravalli is not an object, but an ecosystem that has been shaped over millions of years by gentle slopes, winds, monsoons, groundwater reserves, water harvesting systems, flora, forests, wildlife, and biodiversity. He questioned whether it is possible to define or demarcate the mountain range in any way, highlighting the duty to conserve and enhance the quality of all ecological zones and natural resources according to environmental principles and constitutional obligations.
Recalling his 1994 petition that helped in the closure of 478 mines in Sariska and subsequent mining projects in the Aravalli area, Singh called for renewed judicial vigilance and action in the ongoing situation. He also mentioned that awareness regarding saving the Aravalli is also spreading among the citizens like wildfire.
Singh suggested that the ancient natural definition of the Aravalli can only be understood by recognising the essence of the Indian knowledge system, rather than economic criteria. He also pointed out that the negative impacts of court decisions based on criteria such as 100 metres, 50 metres, and slope could be illustrated by independent agencies using existing maps from the Survey of India.
Singh argued that the geographical significance of the Aravalli mountain range has been repeatedly acknowledged by the Supreme Court, noting its role in the formation of the Himalayas, seas, and surrounding ranges. He stated that as climate change and pollution affect daily life, protecting the Aravalli range is urgent and crucial. Singh advocated for the rejection of any detrimental activity, including mining and development, to keep the Aravalli safe and green, thereby reducing the risk of natural disasters.
Singh concluded by stressing that the destruction of the Aravalli would be equivalent to the destruction of human life and nature, an irreversible loss for which future generations would hold the current generation responsible.
– Ends
Published By:
Akash Chatterjee
Published On:
Dec 28, 2025
