Waterman of India Rajendra Singh has warned the Chief Justice of India that a new definition of the Aravalli range could permit new mining and development in protected areas, potentially allowing the Thar Desert to encroach on Delhi. Singh emphasized the Aravalli's ecological significance, stating its protection should enhance, not diminish, its quality. He argued that understanding the Aravalli should be based on its natural geomorphology and Indian knowledge systems, not economic factors. Protests have occurred in Rajasthan and Haryana against the new definition.