Delay in Aravalli Definition Raises Environmental Alarm

The Aravalli mountain range is one of the oldest mountain systems in the world and one of the most important ecological regions in India. Stretching across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi, the Aravallis play a crucial role in climate balance, groundwater recharge, biodiversity protection, and controlling desertification. Despite this importance, the Indian government has failed to clearly define what exactly counts as the Aravalli range, even after more than a year of discussions, studies, and consultations. This delay has raised serious concerns among environmentalists, legal experts, farmers, and citizens, especially as mining, construction, and urban expansion continue in sensitive areas. This article explains what the Aravallis are, why defining them matters, what the government tried to do, why it failed, and what this means for India’s environment and future development.  

What Are the Aravallis? The Aravalli range is among the oldest fold mountains in the world, believed to be over 1.5 billion years old. Unlike the Himalayas, the Aravallis are low, broken, and heavily eroded, but their ecological value is extremely high. Key facts about the Aravallis: Extend over 800 km Pass through Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi Act as a natural barrier against desertification Help regulate rainfall and temperature Recharge groundwater in North India Home to forests, wildlife, and tribal communities   Why Defining the Aravallis Is Important A clear legal definition of the Aravallis determines: 

Which areas get environmental protection 

Where mining and construction are allowed How urban development is regulated Whether forests and hills are saved or destroyed 

Without a clear definition, state governments and private developers can interpret boundaries loosely, leading to environmental damage.  

Background: Supreme Court and Aravalli Protection The issue gained urgency after multiple Supreme Court orders over the years that sought to: Ban mining in ecologically sensitive Aravalli areas Protect forest land from illegal construction Prevent hill cutting and land degradation 

However, courts repeatedly asked the central government to clearly define: > “What exactly constitutes the Aravalli range?”  This definition was needed to enforce laws properly.  

Government’s Attempt to Define Aravallis In 2023, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) began the process to officially define the Aravallis. Steps taken by the government: Held meetings with state governments Consulted geological and environmental experts Studied old maps, satellite data, and forest records Drafted a proposed definition 

Despite these efforts, no final definition has been notified even after more than a year.  

Why the Government Failed Several reasons explain why the government could not finalize the definition: 1. Complex Geography The Aravallis are not a continuous mountain chain. Over centuries, erosion has broken them into: Hills Ridges Isolated rocky outcrops 

This makes it difficult to draw clear physical boundaries.  

2. Conflict Between States Different states have different interests: Rajasthan focuses on mining and industry Haryana has strong real estate pressure Delhi NCR faces urban expansion 

A strict definition could halt development projects, which many states oppose.  

3. Real Estate and Mining Pressure The Aravalli region, especially near Gurugram, Faridabad, and Alwar, has become a hotspot for: Luxury housing projects Farmhouses Stone mining Infrastructure development 

A broad definition would make many of these activities illegal, triggering resistance from powerful interests.  

4. Legal and Administrative Confusion There is no single law dedicated exclusively to the Aravallis. Protection depends on: Forest Conservation Act Environment Protection Act State-level land laws 

Without a special law, defining the Aravallis becomes legally complicated.  

5. Fear of Litigation Any final definition would likely lead to: Court cases Project cancellations Compensation claims 

The government appears cautious to avoid legal and political backlash.  

Environmental Impact of the Delay 

The failure to define the Aravallis has serious consequences. 1. Illegal Mining Continues Unclear boundaries allow miners to: Extract stone and minerals Damage hills permanently Pollute air and water   2. Groundwater Crisis Aravalli hills act as natural water recharge zones. Their destruction: Lowers groundwater levels Worsens water shortages in Haryana and Rajasthan Increases dependency on tanker water   3. Rising Temperatures The Aravallis help regulate local climate. Their degradation leads to: Urban heat islands Higher summer temperatures Reduced green cover   4. Biodiversity Loss The region is home to: Leopards Nilgai Birds Native plant species 

Habitat destruction pushes wildlife closer to cities, increasing human-animal conflict.  

Impact on Delhi NCR Delhi NCR is directly affected by the Aravalli issue. Key concerns: Aravallis act as Delhi’s green lungs Forest loss worsens air pollution Reduced tree cover increases dust storms Loss of hills impacts rainfall patterns 

Environmentalists warn that ignoring the Aravallis could make Delhi’s climate and air quality crisis irreversible.  

What Environmentalists Are Saying Environmental groups argue that: The government is deliberately delaying Development interests are being prioritized over ecology Scientific data already exists to define the Aravallis 

Many activists demand: A broad and inclusive definition Immediate notification under environmental laws A permanent ban on mining in core Aravalli areas   Government’s Response The government maintains that: The issue is scientifically complex States need to be consulted A balanced approach is required between development and environment 

Officials claim work is ongoing, but no clear deadline has been announced.  

International Perspective Globally, countries protect ancient mountain systems through: Special conservation laws Buffer zones Strict land-use planning 

India’s failure to define the Aravallis 

contrasts with its global climate commitments, including: Paris Agreement Net Zero targets Land degradation neutrality goals   Why This Issue Matters for UPSC and Policy The Aravalli definition issue is important for: UPSC GS Paper III (Environment & Ecology) Governance and policy analysis Sustainable development debates Centre–state relations 

It highlights the conflict between economic growth and environmental protection.  

What Needs to Be Done Experts suggest the following steps: 1. Adopt a Scientific Definition Use geological, ecological, and satellite data to define the Aravallis broadly. 2. Enact a Special Law Introduce an Aravalli Protection Act similar to coastal regulation laws. 3. Strengthen Enforcement Ensure strict monitoring of mining and construction activities. 4. Promote Sustainable Development Allow only eco-friendly activities like: Afforestation Eco-tourism Community-based conservation    The government’s failure to define the Aravallis even after a year reflects a deeper problem in India’s environmental governance. While development is necessary, ignoring ecological limits can lead to long-term economic and social costs. The Aravallis are not just hills; they are natural shields against climate change, water scarcity, and desert expansion. Delaying their protection risks irreversible damage. A clear, strong, and science-based definition is no longer optional—it is urgent.