Jaipur, 25 Dec 2025: Youth activists in Jaipur took to the streets late Wednesday evening in a torchlight march demanding the protection and conservation of the Aravalli hills, emphasizing concerns over ongoing ecological threats and deforestation in the region.
The protest, organized primarily by members of Gen Z and local environmental groups, began at Sanganer Road and progressed through key city areas with participants carrying torches, placards, and chanting slogans calling for urgent government action to safeguard the Aravallis — one of India’s oldest mountain ranges and a crucial ecological barrier for Rajasthan.
What made the demonstration distinctive was the creative form of expression adopted by the young activists: some protesters waved large mock currency notes bearing symbolic messages, highlighting what they called the “monetary interests driving environmental degradation” in the Aravalli region. Organizers said the act was intended to draw attention to the conflict between economic exploitation and ecological preservation.
Participants demanded that authorities enforce stricter regulations against illegal mining, unplanned urban expansion, and encroachments that have, they argue, weakened the ecological integrity of the hills, which serve as vital sources of groundwater recharge and natural buffers against desertification.
“We are the generation that will inherit the consequences of environmental neglect,” said one of the protest leaders, calling on politicians and policymakers to prioritize sustainable development over short-term gains. Many youth from colleges and universities across Jaipur joined the march to show solidarity with the cause.
The protest remained peaceful throughout, with a strong turnout of police personnel ensuring that the rally did not disrupt traffic or public order. Demonstrators marched with chants like “Save Aravalli, Save Our Future!” and rallied at Shaheed Smarak, where they held a brief sit-in before dispersing.
Environmental experts and activists have long expressed concern that continued pressure from mining and construction in and around the Aravalli hills could lead to long-term ecological damage, affecting air quality, wildlife habitats, and water security in the region. This latest demonstration underscores escalating frustration among younger citizens who want tangible policy action rather than rhetoric.
Local civic authorities have acknowledged the issue but say any enforcement action must balance ecological protection with economic needs. Meanwhile, youth leaders say they plan to continue mobilizing public support and will petition state government representatives with their demands in the coming weeks.