Protection of the Aravalli Range

IN NEWS: Protection of the Aravalli Range

Analysis

Why the Aravalli Range Is in News?

• The Supreme Court has settled a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges.
• The Court has paused the grant of fresh mining leases and renewals in Aravalli areas across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
• The decision follows recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) amid concerns over ecological degradation, illegal mining and desertification.

What Is the Aravalli Range?

• The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world.
• It stretches for about 650–670 km, from Delhi to Gujarat.
• It acts as a natural ecological barrier between the Thar Desert and the Indo-Gangetic Plains.

Static Geography: Aravalli Range (For Prelims & Mains)

Physical Features

• Type: Fold mountain
• Geological age: Proterozoic era
• Direction: South-west trending
• Highest Peak: Guru Shikhar (1,722 metres), located in the Arbuda Mountains, Rajasthan
• Mountain Sections:
  • Sambhar–Sirohi Range: Higher and more continuous; includes Guru Shikhar
  • Sambhar–Khetri Range: Discontinuous, composed of three ridges

Geological Formation

• Part of the Aravalli–Delhi Orogenic Belt.
• Formed due to tectonic plate collision during the Proterozoic era.
• Constitutes a component of the Indian Shield, created through ancient cratonic collisions.
• Originally very high mountains, but heavily eroded over millions of years due to weathering.

Drainage System

• Major rivers originating from the Aravalli Range:
  • Banas River (tributary of Chambal → Yamuna)
  • Sahibi River (tributary of Yamuna)
  • Luni River, flowing towards the Rann of Kutch

Mineral Resources

• Rich in:
  • Copper
  • Zinc
  • Lead
  • Marble
• Historical and modern mining activities have heavily exploited these resources.

Ecological Significance

• Prevents the eastward spread of desertification into Haryana, Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh.
• Plays a critical role in:
  • Groundwater recharge
  • Climate moderation
  • Biodiversity conservation
• Supports forest ecosystems, wildlife corridors and aquifer recharge zones.
• India is bound to protect the region under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

Mining and Environmental Concerns

• Excessive quarrying over the last four decades has led to:
  • Falling groundwater levels
  • Deteriorating air quality
  • Loss of forest cover and wildlife habitats
• Illegal and unregulated mining has been a persistent issue.

Supreme Court and CEC Interventions

• 2009: Blanket ban on mining in parts of Haryana (Faridabad, Gurugram, Mewat).
• May 2024: Prohibition on new mining leases and renewals.
• March 2024: CEC submitted recommendations.
• November 2025: Supreme Court accepted key CEC recommendations.

Uniform Definition of the Aravalli Range

• Earlier definitions varied across States and institutions.
• The Forest Survey of India (2010) used criteria based on slope, foothill buffer and valley width.
• A multi-agency committee submitted a new definition in October 2025.
• The Supreme Court accepted the definition that only hills above 100 metres qualify as Aravalli hills and ranges.

Other Directions of the Supreme Court

• Preparation of a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM).
• Identification of:
  • No-mining zones
  • Highly regulated mining zones
  • Wildlife corridors and sensitive habitats
• Assessment of cumulative ecological impacts and carrying capacity.

Aravalli Green Wall Initiative

• Launched in June 2025.
• Focuses on expanding green cover in a 5 km buffer zone.
• Covers 29 districts across four States.
• Aims to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.

Why a Total Mining Ban Was Avoided

• Complete bans often lead to:
  • Illegal mining syndicates
  • Sand mafias
  • Unregulated extraction
• The Court adopted a regulated, calibrated approach instead.

Way Forward

• Completion of scientific mapping and impact assessments.
• Strengthened inter-State coordination.
• Strict enforcement of sustainable mining norms.
• Long-term ecological restoration and groundwater recharge.
• Integration of conservation objectives into regional development planning.

Updated – 21 December 2025; 6:43 PM | News Source: The Hindu