Aravalli Hills Controversy:The Aravalli Hills, or the Aravalli Range, are one of the most ancient fold mountain formations on the planet, with their age estimated to be about 2 billion years. This prehistoric mountain range existed even before the formation of the Himalayas and, thus, had a major role in interacting with northwestern India’s geography, climate, ecology, and human activities for thousands of years. The mountain range stretches from Gujarat in the south-west to Delhi in the north-east in a south-west to north-east direction, with a total length of about 670–700+ kilometers.
States and Union Territory Touched by the Aravalli Range
1. Gujarat
The Aravalli Range’s southwestern end lies in the northern part of Gujarat, close to areas near Ahmedabad and Palanpur.
Importance to Gujarat:
The mountains help in the flourishing of watershed areas and thus the local availability of water.
The range’s soil and terrain patterns have a huge influence on the farming and settlement activities.
The region is rich in mineral deposits of which some have economic significance.
2. Rajasthan
Rajasthan possesses the largest and most extensive part of the Aravalli Range, which is roughly two-thirds of its total length.
Importance to Rajasthan:
The mountain formation acts as a natural protective wall that prevents the Thar Desert from spreading further east into central India.
The high-altitude mineral resources such as marble, copper, and zinc are not only for the state’s economy but also for the country’s overall economic development.
The ecologically rich areas and wildlife sanctuaries that are located in the Aravalli area due to the mountain range are noteworthy for their biodiversity.
Moreover, the range has an impact on the local climate by lessening the intensity of the temperature extremes and helping in the retention of moisture.
3. Haryana
The Aravalli Range, which is famous for its ancient mountains, stretches all the way from Rajasthan to the southern part of Haryana, and although its height is not very impressive, it still provides important ecological functions through its lower ridges and hills.
Importance to Haryana:
It serves as a natural groundwater recharge zone, which is crucial for a state that has water stressed areas in several districts.
It reduces the extent of dust and sand movement from the Thar desert towards the plains, having a direct impact on the quality of air in Haryana as well as in the adjoining areas.
It facilitates the establishment of local biodiversity corridors that are indispensable for the movement of animals across the fragmented landscape.
4. Delhi (Union Territory)
The Aravalli Range, marking its northeastern point, changes into the Delhi Ridge, a very important ecological area in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
Importance to Delhi:
The Ridge, which is frequently called the “green lungs” of Delhi, is essential in not only urban air pollution filtering but also in providing green areas in the city.
It acts as a barrier against the hot, dry winds coming from the west and thus helps to lower the extreme summer temperatures in Delhi.
It attracts local fauna and provides shelter for birds and small mammals which are found in an urban area that is so densely populated.
SC pulls up Haryana for taking away protection to Aravali forest cover
Aravalli Hills Controversy
On November 20, 2025, the Supreme Court of India sanctioned a new definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges that is based solely on elevation, that is, landforms that are at least 100 meters above the surrounding relief. The height-based criterion was suggested by a government-appointed panel of experts and was also endorsed by the Ministry of Environment, and the apex court made it one of its formal orders.
The intention behind the move, according to the Centre and the judgment, was to introduce a scientific, map-based standard that could strengthen long-term enforcement and help regulate mining and land use more precisely.
Government’s Response on Aravalli Hills Controversy
According to the government, more than 90% of the Aravalli area will still be protected even after the changes, and the Supreme Court-sanctioned structure does not permit unrestricted mining or construction unless there are more scientific mapping and legal safeguards decided first.
The Centre also emphasises that a freeze on new mining leases continues, and any mining activity permitted in the future would only be under strict management plans and scientific oversight.
Officials have insisted that some of the controversies stem from misinterpretations or misinformation, including online claims that “90% of Aravallis are now unprotected,” which they label as inaccurate
