From Lifeline To Lifeline At Risk : The Story Of The Aravalli Range

Why is it in news?

Recently, Supreme Court gave directions on regulating mining and framing a uniform, scientific definition of the Aravalli Range to strengthen it’s environmental protection.

Introduction :

The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain systems in the world and India’s oldest mountain range, dating back to nearly 1.5 – 2 billion years.

Stretching over 800kms from Gujarat through Rajasthan to Haryana and Delhi, these ancient hills acted as natural barrier supporting rich biodiversity. However today these hills are facing an unprecedented crisis pushing this vital ecological lifeline to the brink.

Significance :

1. Ecological Barrier Against Desertification
   • By obstructing hot desert winds and stabilising soil, the range plays a crucial role in protecting the Indo-Gangetic plains from desertification and land degradation.
2. Checking The Spread Of The Thar Desert
   • Helps arrest the eastward spread of the Thar desert in to Haryana, Rajasthan and Western Uttar Pradesh.
   • Degradation of the Aravalli has already shown visible impacts in the adjoining regions.
   Eg : Dust storms, Rising temperatures
3. Groundwater Recharge And Water Security
   • The rocks and forest cover of the Aravalli facilitate rainwater infiltration, making them vital recharge zones for groundwater aquifers.
   • Many regions in this range depend heavily on groundwater sustained by the Aravalli system, especially in water-scarce areas.
4. Source Of River Systems
   • Several rivers and streams originate from the Aravalli Range.
   Eg : Chambal, Sabarmati, Luni, Banas
   • These rivers support agriculture, drinking water needs and ecosystems.
5. Mineral Resources
   • The Aravalli Range is rich in mineral deposits contributing significantly to local economies.
   Eg : Sandstone, Limestone, Granite, Copper
6. Biodiversity And Wildlife Habitat
   • Supports diverse flora and fauna, including dry deciduous forests, scrublands and wildlife.
   Eg : Leopards, Hyenas, Jackals
   • Also acts as green lung for the NCR (National Capital Region), helping improve air quality.
7. Carbon Sink
   • Helps moderate regional climate, reduce heat stress and sequester carbon.
8. Cultural Importance
   • The range hold cultural and historical significance, with ancient settlements, forts and pilgrimage sites.
   Eg : Guru Shikar (Mount Abu), Ambaji Temple, Galtaji Temple, Dilwara Temples
9. Local Livelihood
   • Many people in the region depend on the Aravalli for agriculture, pastoral activities, forest produce, tourism etc.

Recent Challenges :

1. Ambiguity In Defining The Aravalli Range
   • Lack of a uniform, scientifically grounded definition of what constitutes the Aravalli Ranges and hills.
   • This allowed ESZs(Environmentally Sensitive Zones) to be opened up for mining and construction, weakening conservation efforts.
2. Continued Mining
   • Mining – both legal and illegal continues in several parts of the Aravalli Range despite Supreme court’s intervention and restrictions.
   • In the past four decades, excessive stone and sand quarrying has degraded air quality, reduced groundwater recharge.
3. Weak Regulations
   • Stone – crushing units in and around the Aravalli, particularly in the NCR region, continue to operate with inadequate oversight.
   • This contributed to air pollution, noise pollution and ecological degradation.
4. Development Vs Conservation
   • Rapid urban expansion intensified pressure on Aravalli land.
   Eg : Infrastructure projects, real estate development
   • This reflects a policy dilemma between economic growth and environmental protection.
5. Narrow Definitions
   • Limiting protection only to hills above a certain height (100 metres) raises concerns that smaller hill formations, foothills and corridors may be excluded.
   • By this definition, only 8.7% qualify for protection while 91.3% of the Aravalli is excluded from protection.
6. Implementation Challenges
   • Inter-State coordination, funding, long-term monitoring and community participation threaten the effectiveness of restoration efforts.
   Eg : Green Wall Project efforts

Way Forward :

1. Implementing CEC (Centrally Empowered Committee) recommendations in a time-bound and legally binding manner across all states under Aravalli range.
2. Using FSI’s scientific criteria as the baseline definition for Aravalli identification.
3. Mining permissions should be linked to geological stability assessments.
4. Aligning with International commitments on desertification control and land degradation neutrality.
   Eg : UNCCD
5. Ensuring post-mining restoration and ecological compensation in degraded Aravalli zones.
6. Preparation of a detailed Management Plan for Sustainable Mining for entire range as directed by SC.

Conclusion :

Timely implementation of committee recommendations, strict enforcement of mining regulations and sustained restoration efforts can ensure that this ancient lifeline continues to safeguard north-western India for generations to come. Saving the Aravalli is not about preserving hills alone, it is about securing water, climate stability and promoting sustainable development.