What Happens If Aravallis Vanish? A Warning For Every Indian

New Delhi:

For years, illegal mining and deforestation in the Aravalli range across Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi-NCR raised environmental alarms. In 2024, the Supreme Court stepped in, restricting mining and seeking a uniform framework. In late 2025, it accepted a government-backed “100-metre rule” to legally define Aravalli hills. While meant to bring clarity, the move triggered fears that large ecologically sensitive areas could lose protection. This led to protests, the #SaveAravalli campaign, political clashes, and fresh petitions in court. Responding to backlash, the Centre ordered a ban on new mining leases and promised expanded protected zones, keeping the issue at the centre of national debate.

What are people worried about?
That the new definition could open the door to more mining, construction and forest loss.

Why Aravalli Range is Important for India?

The Aravalli Range is not just a line of hills — it’s a lifeline for north-west India. Here’s why it matters so much for Indians:

1. Natural shield against desertification

The Aravallis act as a barrier to the Thar Desert, slowing the eastward spread of sand into Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi.
Without them, desert conditions could creep deeper into fertile regions.

2. Cleaner air for Delhi-NCR

These hills and their forests work like a green wall, trapping dust and pollutants from the west.
They help reduce dust storms and improve air quality in one of India’s most polluted regions.

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3. Groundwater recharge zone

The rocky terrain and forests of the Aravallis help store rainwater and recharge aquifers, feeding wells, lakes and rivers.
Millions in Rajasthan, Haryana and parts of Delhi depend on this groundwater.

4. Biodiversity hotspot

The range supports forests, leopards, jackals, birds, medicinal plants and native trees.
It’s a fragile ecosystem that protects wildlife and maintains ecological balance.

5. Supports farming & rural livelihoods

By influencing rainfall patterns and conserving soil and water, the Aravallis indirectly support agriculture and village life in nearby regions.

6. Cultural & historical importance

One of the world’s oldest mountain ranges, the Aravallis are woven into Indian history — home to forts, temples, tribal cultures and ancient settlements.

7. Climate regulator

Forests in the Aravallis help moderate temperatures, store carbon, and reduce the impact of heat waves in north-west India.

8. What happens if they are damaged?

Unchecked mining, deforestation and construction can lead to:

More dust storms & heat
Water scarcity
Loss of wildlife
Worse air pollution in cities
Faster desert spread

📅 Aravalli Issue Timeline

🔹 May 2024
The Supreme Court, while hearing cases on mining and environmental damage in the Aravallis, stopped the grant and renewal of mining leases. It also asked a special committee to study the situation and suggest safeguards.

🔹 Throughout 2024–2025
Concerns continued over illegal mining, deforestation and weakening protection of the hills. Environmental experts and activists kept demanding stricter conservation measures.

🔹 October 13, 2025
The Environment Ministry proposed a new rule before the Supreme Court — that only land rising at least 100 metres above surrounding ground would be officially treated as Aravalli hills under mining laws.

🔹 November 20, 2025
The Supreme Court accepted this 100-metre definition to bring a uniform legal standard across states for regulating mining and environmental protection in the Aravallis.

🔹 Mid-December 2025
Public concern grew as environmentalists warned that many sensitive areas could fall outside protection under the new rule. Protests and the #SaveAravalli campaign began, especially in Rajasthan.

🔹 December 19–22, 2025
The issue gained nationwide attention, with intense media debate over whether the new definition would weaken protection of the Aravalli ecosystem.

🔹 December 23–24, 2025
The Supreme Court agreed to hear fresh petitions challenging the 100-metre rule. Around the same time, the Centre announced a ban on any new mining leases in the Aravalli region and asked states to expand protected zones.

🧠 Why this timeline matters

The controversy started because there was no clear and uniform rule on how the Aravalli hills should be defined and protected. While the new definition was meant to bring clarity, critics fear it could leave large parts of the range unprotected. This triggered protests, legal challenges, political debate and forced the government to step in with stricter mining restrictions.

The Eastern Times view

Protecting the Aravalli hills is vital for India’s air, water, climate and biodiversity. We are not the owners of this land, only its security guards. It is our duty to preserve and pass it on to future generations, because we owe them a healthier planet and a safer tomorrow.