Why the Aravalli Range Is Under Threat — and How Protection Efforts Are Taking Shape

The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. It goes across the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat. Besides being important from a geological point of view, the range also protects ecological balance by stopping desertification, supporting wildlife, and controlling groundwater levels. But the Aravallis are becoming more and more in danger.

Illegal mining that isn't controlled is one of the biggest problems

This action by people has led to the destruction of forests and land quality on a large scale. Getting minerals and stone from quarries has made hills less stable, disrupted habitats for wildlife, and raised air pollution in cities close to the quarries. The ecology is already fragile, and the fast growth of cities, especially around Delhi-NCR, has made things worse because forests are often cut down for homes and roads.

Also, the fact that there isn't a single legal description of what the Aravalli Range is has made it harder to protect. It is not always enforced the same way because states use different systems, which creates gaps that can be used for illegal activities.

A number of actions to protect people are now being planned

The Supreme Court has stepped in several times to limit mining activities and protect wild land. Using data from satellites, the central government and state officials are working to make land classification and mapping in the Aravalli area clearer. To bring back places that have been damaged, planting trees, drives, projects to restore ecosystems, and biodiversity surveys are also being pushed.

Environmentalists say that long-term Aravalli protection will require stronger coordination between states, stricter enforcement of environmental laws, and community involvement. As climate change gets worse, protecting the Aravalli Range is not just about saving an old mountain range; it is about saving the environment in northern India for the future.