Fresh concerns have emerged over the future of the Aravalli mountain range, one of the world’s oldest geological formations, following a recent Supreme Court directive that defines only hills above 100 metres in height as mountains. Environmentalists and experts fear the move could open the door to large-scale mining and construction, putting the fragile ecosystem at serious risk.
Experts point out that nearly 90% of the Aravalli range is below 100 metres in height. If these areas are excluded from legal protection, vast stretches of the Aravallis could lose the cover of environmental and forest laws. Scientists warn that without the Aravallis, large parts of western, central, and southern India could gradually turn into desert.
‘Save Aravalli, Save the Nation’ Campaign Launched
Amid rising concerns, a public signature campaign titled “Save Aravalli, Save the Nation” was launched in Kota on Sunday. The campaign, led by social organisations under the banner of Society Has Eve She International Charitable Trust, took place at the Kishore Sagar lakefront.
Through street plays and public outreach, organisers highlighted the environmental and social consequences of weakening protection for the Aravallis. Hundreds of citizens, including children, participated and raised slogans demanding the preservation of the mountain range. Organisers said the signed memorandum will be sent to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, urging reconsideration of the policy.
Aravalli: More Than Just Hills
Dr Nidhi Prajapati, president of the organising trust, said the Aravallis are not merely hills but a pillar of India’s civilisation, culture, and ecological balance. She noted that the range supports over 300 species of animals and birds, provides grazing land for pastoral communities, and serves as the origin of rivers such as the Banas, Sabarmati, and Luni.
Environmentalists warn that unchecked exploitation of the Aravallis could trigger a severe water crisis in western Rajasthan, as the rocky terrain plays a crucial role in groundwater recharge and rainwater retention.
Ashok Gehlot Calls Aravalli Rajasthan’s ‘Protective Shield’
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot strongly criticised the move, calling the Aravalli range the state’s “protective shield.” He said narrowing the definition of mountains to a 100-metre limit is equivalent to issuing a “death certificate” for most of the Aravalli hills.
Gehlot argued that mountains should be defined by their geological structure, not height alone. Even smaller ridges, he said, are part of the same tectonic system and play a vital role in blocking dust storms, desert expansion, and heatwaves from the Thar Desert.
According to experts cited by Gehlot, even ridges as low as 10–30 metres are effective in preventing sandstorms and desertification. Removing them, he warned, could allow the desert to advance toward eastern Rajasthan, Delhi, and even Uttar Pradesh.
What’s at Stake?
Environmental experts caution that diluting protection for the Aravallis could lead to:
- Unrestricted mining and construction
- Accelerated desertification
- Groundwater depletion
- Worsening heatwaves and dust storms
- Loss of biodiversity
As public pressure grows, environmental groups are demanding that policymakers reconsider the interpretation of the court directive and ensure that the Aravalli range remains legally and ecologically protected for future generations.
