Indian Court Halts Order Redefining Mineral Rich Aravalli Hills

India’s top court has halted implementation of its five weeks-old order that opened up the mineral-rich Aravalli hills, one of the world’s oldest, for more extensive mining and real estate.

In a rare move, the Supreme Court on Monday voluntarily decided to reconsider its Nov. 20 order setting a 100-meter elevation threshold for protecting these ancient hills, after widespread protests. The range acts as an effective barrier against the spread of the Thar desert and shields the country’s capital New Delhi from sandstorms that could make its already toxic air even worse.