Video Misleads: Pilgrimage Footage Mistaken for Protests in India

Demonstrations erupted across India following a decision by the Supreme Court that environmentalists warn could expose the Aravalli hills to mining. However, videos circulating on social media claiming to depict these protests actually show unrelated events from several months prior, including a religious pilgrimage and a bullock cart race.

The controversy began after the Supreme Court redefined the Aravalli hills, one of India’s oldest mountain ranges, to include only areas above 100 meters (328 feet) in altitude. This ruling potentially leaves approximately 90% of the range unprotected, raising concerns among environmentalists who argue that it could threaten a crucial ecological barrier that prevents desertification and helps purify the air in Delhi.

Social media posts shared on December 20, 2025, claimed that a wave of protests was sweeping North India in response to the Supreme Court ruling. The post included a video that depicted large crowds, with text reading, “A big amount of farmers in Rajasthan start a Aravalli hills protest.” However, further investigation revealed that the footage predates the Supreme Court’s decision by several months.

The video comprises two clips. A reverse image search identified the first clip as being part of a religious event, specifically the annual pilgrimage of Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj, which involves walking 1,275 km (782 miles) over two months. The original post was shared on August 2, 2025, by a news portal based in Maharashtra, describing the palanquin procession heading from Khamgaon city to Shegaon.

The second clip has also been misrepresented. It shows crowds watching a bullock cart race, which was identified in a separate Instagram post from June 28, 2025. The caption for this video indicated that it celebrated a prize-winning bull, not protests against the Supreme Court ruling.

The Supreme Court’s decision to redefine the Aravalli hills has sparked significant debate. While the government argues that the new definition standardizes regulations and strengthens protections, environmental activists warn that it could allow unchecked mining and construction in ecologically sensitive areas.

On December 29, 2025, the Supreme Court temporarily stayed its order and established an expert panel to assess the potential environmental impacts of the new definition. This development highlights the ongoing tension between economic development and environmental conservation in India.

The spread of misinformation regarding this issue underscores the importance of verifying information before sharing, particularly during sensitive times when public sentiment can be easily swayed. As the situation unfolds, both environmentalists and government officials will be closely watched to see how they address the pressing concerns surrounding the Aravalli hills and their future.