The Aravalli Range is a mountain range located in Northern-Western India. The length of the range is approximately 670 km which runs in south-west direction. The range starts near Delhi and passes through Haryana, Rajasthan and finally ends in Gujarat. The Aravalli Range is a significant ecological hotspot due to its rich geological history, diverse flora and fauna. It provides significant fresh water to neighbouring states and act as a natural buffer from adjoining desert. The range faces concerns from unorganised urbanization, overexploitation of natural resources, mining, loss of forest cover and wildlife habitat. Centre and state governments along with the Supreme Court has stepped in to conserve it and the Aravalli Green Wall project is a welcome and holistic move.

Historically, the Aravalli Range has significantly determined the region''s cultural and economic development. The range is one of the oldest mountain ranges of the world that was formed by orogenic process of folding and dates earlier than the formation of the Himalayan ranges. The approximate age of Aravallis is around 670 million years and belong to Pre-Cambrian era. The Aravalli were higher in ancient times but due to many years of weathering they have worn down considerably. The Aravallis and its geography have played a major role in shaping the region''s history and will keep on shaping its future too.

The Aravalli Range has its own spiritual significance coupled with its natural beauty as it is adorned with sites which are sacred in nature such as Dilwara Jain Temples. Many wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and reserves such as Sariska tiger Reserve and Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary are located within the Aravalli Range. The Aravalli mountains are not just geological marvels; they are an integral part of India’s cultural and natural heritage. These majestic ranges are a recognized global biodiversity hotspot, showcasing India’s commitment to preserving its natural splendour.

Features of Aravalli Range

• The Aravallis are located in the North-western of India, stretching from Delhi to Gujarat through Haryana and Rajasthan, with a length close to 670 Km and having an average elevation of 600-900 metres.
• The northern part of the Range is isolated with rocky hills and ridges in between Delhi and Haryana.
• Climate: The Northern part of Aravalli range has humid subtropical climate and hot semi-arid continental climate. The Central Aravalli range has an arid and dry climate. The Southern Aravalli range in Gujarat has a tropical wet and dry climate.
• Rivers: The major rivers flowing from Aravalli are Banas and Sahibi rivers which are tributaries of Yamuna. Luni River, which flows into the Rann of Kutch also originates from the range. Other rivers include Chambal, Sabarmati, Dohan, Sota and Krishnavati river.
• Ecology: The Aravalli Range is known for its rich biodiversity. It hosts diverse plants and wildlife, including species like the Indian wolf, Bengal fox, caracal, leopards, striped hyena, golden jackal, nilgai, wild pig, peafowl and many species of reptiles.
• The Aravalli mountains are divided into two main ranges: the Sambhar-Sirohi Range and the Sambhar-Khetri Range in Rajasthan.
• The highest peak of the Aravalli Range is Guru Shikhar Peak (1722m) on Mount Abu.
• The region is an essential supply of water for the states of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
• There are various hill forts, temples, and other historical structures in the Aravalli Range.
• The range is also rich in minerals such as copper, lead and zinc.
• The range also helps to regulate the local temperature, with its peaks and slopes giving relief.

Significance of Aravallis

• Stop Desertification: Aravalli range serves as a barrier to prevent desertification from spreading further eastward into Rajasthan and then to Gangetic plains. Dust storms might occur frequently with greater intensity if the Aravallis were not there acting as a natural barrier.
• Water Regulation: Rivers of the range are key water providers. Aravalli hills cause adequate rainfall hence being responsible for rich biodiversity, livelihood and agriculture in the constituent states. They also facilitate ground water recharge.
• Climate Regulation: The Aravalli shields the plains from the effects of westerly winds coming from the Central Asian region and prevents clouds from moving eastward to the lower Himalayas, which also influences the climate of north India.
• Tackling Pollution: Despite the shrinking forests of the Aravalli, they serve as a cushion to reduce the impact and shock of pollution and human activity on the metropolitan environment.
• The availability of commercially viable quantities of minerals such as copper, rock phosphate, lead-zinc-silver deposits at Zawar, marble, kyanite, asbestos etc.

Issues concerning Aravalli Range

• Deforestation: Timber extraction is leading to deforestation which causes loss of habitat for wildlife, soil erosion and water scarcity.
• Aravallis have been breached due to human activity and there is threat of desertification of the area.
• Illegal Mining: mining is done without permission and has caused extensive damage to the environment.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: As the human population in the Aravalli ranges increases, there is an increasing conflict between humans and wildlife.
• Unplanned Urbanization: Unplanned urbanization has been a major issue in the Aravalli ranges. The unchecked growth of urban areas has adversely affected the environment and wildlife.
• Loss of Water Resources: The Aravalli ranges are the source of many rivers and streams in the region. However, due to unchecked development activities, the water resources in the area have been severely depleted.
• Unstable Geology: The geology of the Aravalli ranges is very unstable due to the presence of various faults and fractures. This has led to an increased risk of landslides and earthquakes in the area.
• Overgrazing: The Aravalli range has been facing overgrazing due to an increase in the number of livestock.
• Climate Change: The Aravalli range is facing an increase in temperatures, which endangers water security and can lead to land degradation.

Judicial Pronouncements and Initiatives

• Aravallis a National Asset: The Supreme court had suspended all mining activities in the Aravalli hills in Haryana, and termed environment and ecology as national assets.
• Plan: The top court had also directed the Forest Department to frame a comprehensive conservation strategy for the Aravalli.
• Demolished Human Husing: In 2021 Supreme Court ordered for the demolition of large enclaves of the housing complex, built in violation of the environmental laws, encroaching fragile ecosystems.
• The National Green Tribunal ordered the Haryana government to remove all illegal development projects in the Aravalli in 2018.

The Green Wall of India (Aravalli Green Wall Project)

A 1400 km long Green Wall of India from Porbandar to Panipat will help in restoring degraded land through afforestation along the Aravali hill range.

• Increase the green cover and biodiversity of the Aravalli through afforestation, reforestation and restoration of water bodies, but also improve the soil fertility, water availability and climate resilience of the region.
• The project will benefit the local communities by providing them with employment opportunities, income generation and ecosystem services.
• Stop Desertification: It will also act as a barrier for dust coming from the deserts in western India and Pakistan.

Conserving Aravallis

• Scientifically mapping the degradation and overall change in the topography, soil of the Aravallis, for a comprehensive strategy to restore its greenery.
• There is need for redundancy of outdated laws and streamlining the difference in land legislations. The outlook towards conservation of the Aravalli among the constituent states must be addressed.
• The Union and State Governments must evolve and adopt a robust common mechanism for smooth implementation of conservation measures to restore the ecological state of the Aravallis.
• Sustainable, responsible mining should replace the exploitative practices adopted at present.
• Eco-sensitive zones and potential animal movement corridors must be protected at all costs.
• There is a need for evolving Soil Moisture conservation measures, integrating them with traditional water harvesting and ground aquifer recharge technologies.
• Alternative economic avenues, livelihood measures, steps strengthening the rural economy of the region must be accorded priority.

The Aravallis play a vital role in regional ecology. They act as a barrier against Thar Desert expansion, regulate climate, and provide water sources for millions. They are an ecological hotspot in northwest India. However, decades of deforestation, mining, and urbanization have degraded its natural resources and threatened biodiversity. Water scarcity, desertification, and human-wildlife conflict are major concerns.

Positive strides have been made towards conservation. The Supreme Court has recognized the Aravallis as a national asset and ordered demolition of illegal structures. The ambitious Aravalli Green Wall project aims to restore degraded lands through afforestation. By addressing the challenges and implementing effective conservation measures, we can ensure a healthy future for this vital ecosystem and its surrounding communities. This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders - government, NGOs, and local communities - to work together for the long-term sustainability of the Aravalli Range.