Aravalli Hills Definition Controversy (2025) – Complete UPSC Prelims Coverage
The Aravalli Hills Definition Controversy (2025) has emerged as one of the most important environment-related current affairs topics for UPSC, UPPSC, BPSC, and other State PCS exams.
In November 2025, the Supreme Court of India adopted a uniform scientific definition of Aravalli Hills, triggering nationwide debate, environmental concerns, and campaigns such as #SaveAravalli.
This article provides 15 UPSC-level MCQs with detailed explanations, covering static + current affairs integration, ideal for Prelims 2026–27.
🎯 Why This Topic is Important for UPSC?
- Supreme Court judgment + environment = high UPSC weightage
- Direct linkage with mining, groundwater, desertification
- Tested through conceptual traps (local relief vs altitude)
- Relevant for Prelims, Mains GS-III & Essay
🧠 UPSC MCQs on Aravalli Hills Definition Controversy (2025)
🔹 MCQ 1: Why in News?
The Aravalli Hills were in news in November 2025 primarily because:
(a) A new wildlife sanctuary was declared
(b) UNCCD released a desertification report
(c) The Supreme Court adopted a uniform scientific definition
(d) A permanent mining ban was imposed
✅ Correct Answer: (c)
📘 Explanation:
The Supreme Court adopted a uniform scientific definition of Aravalli Hills, triggering public debate and environmental activism. UPSC frequently asks questions linking court rulings with environment.
🔹 MCQ 2: Supreme Court Definition of Aravalli Hill
As per the Supreme Court (2025), an “Aravalli Hill” is:
(a) Any elevation above Mean Sea Level
(b) Any hill above 300 metres
(c) Any landform rising 100 m or more above surrounding local terrain
(d) Any forested upland
✅ Correct Answer: (c)
📘 Explanation:
The definition is based on local relief, not absolute altitude.
⚠️ UPSC Trap: Local relief ≠ height above sea level.
🔹 MCQ 3: Extent of Protection
Protection under the SC ruling applies to:
(a) Only hilltops
(b) Only peaks above 500 m
(c) Entire hill system including slopes
(d) Only notified forest areas
✅ Correct Answer: (c)
📘 Explanation:
Protection covers hilltops, slopes, flanks, preventing indirect mining damage.
🔹 MCQ 4: Meaning of “Aravalli Range”
An “Aravalli Range” refers to:
(a) Hills aligned north–south
(b) Hills above 1,000 m
(c) Two or more hills within 500 m, including intervening areas
(d) Any hill chain in revenue records
✅ Correct Answer: (c)
📘 Explanation:
SC recognised Aravallis as a connected ecological system, not isolated hills.
🔹 MCQ 5: Areas Where Mining is Completely Banned
Mining is completely banned in:
- Protected Areas
- Eco-Sensitive Zones
- Wetlands
- Entire Aravalli range
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All four
✅ Correct Answer: (a)
📘 Explanation:
There is no blanket ban across the entire Aravalli range.
🔹 MCQ 6: Exception Clause
Even in core areas, mining may be permitted for:
(a) Construction materials
(b) Minor minerals
(c) Atomic, critical and strategic minerals
(d) State infrastructure projects
✅ Correct Answer: (c)
📘 Explanation:
Exception exists for national security & strategic minerals—a favorite UPSC theme.
🔹 MCQ 7: New Mining Leases
Issuance of new mining leases is:
(a) Permanently banned
(b) Allowed with state approval
(c) Paused till MPSM is prepared
(d) Allowed only in Rajasthan
✅ Correct Answer: (c)
📘 Explanation:
It is a temporary pause, linked to scientific planning.
🔹 MCQ 8: Who Prepares MPSM?
MPSM (Mine Planning & Sustainable Management) will be prepared by:
(a) Ministry of Mines
(b) State Governments
(c) Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)
(d) NITI Aayog
✅ Correct Answer: (c)
📘 Explanation:
ICFRE brings scientific & ecological expertise.
🔹 MCQ 9: NOT a Component of MPSM
Which is NOT part of MPSM?
(a) Identification of no-mining zones
(b) Wildlife corridor mapping
(c) Cumulative ecological impact assessment
(d) Automatic approval of mining leases
✅ Correct Answer: (d)
🔹 MCQ 10: Government’s Main Argument
The government claims the framework mainly curbs:
(a) Climate change
(b) Urban flooding
(c) Illegal mining
(d) Forest fires
✅ Correct Answer: (c)
🔹 MCQ 11: Key Criticism
Critics argue the 100-m rule ignores:
(a) High peaks
(b) Valleys, foothills & connecting ridges
(c) Wildlife sanctuaries
(d) Tiger reserves
✅ Correct Answer: (b)
🔹 MCQ 12: FSI Assessment
FSI estimates exclusion of:
(a) About 30%
(b) About 50%
(c) About 70%
(d) Over 90% of Aravalli system
✅ Correct Answer: (d)
📘 Prelims Gold Data Point ⭐
🔹 MCQ 13: Groundwater Link
Lower Aravalli slopes are vital because they:
(a) Store glaciers
(b) Enable groundwater recharge
(c) Control cyclones
(d) Prevent river flooding
✅ Correct Answer: (b)
🔹 MCQ 14: Desertification Impact
Weakening Aravallis may cause:
(a) Expansion of Deccan Plateau
(b) Eastward expansion of Thar Desert
(c) Increased rainfall
(d) Glacial retreat
✅ Correct Answer: (b)
🔹 MCQ 15: Geological Importance
The Aravalli Range is:
(a) Young fold mountain
(b) Volcanic plateau
(c) Oldest mountain system of India (Precambrian)
(d) Rift valley
✅ Correct Answer: (c)
🔚 Final Takeaway for UPSC Aspirants
- Focus on 100-m local relief definition
- Remember FSI 90% exclusion estimate
- Understand mining exceptions & MPSM
- Link Aravallis with desertification & groundwater
Read More: Aravalli Hills Controversy
Source: PIB