Aravallis: India's Ancient Green Wall Under Threat from Degradation
The Aravalli range, a vital ecological barrier, faces threats despite its crucial role in groundwater and biodiversity.
Photo by Rohit yadav
The Aravalli range, one of the world's oldest fold mountains, is a critical ecological and geographical feature in India, particularly for Rajasthan and Haryana. Standing over 400 meters above sea level, it acts as a natural barrier against desertification, recharges groundwater, and supports rich biodiversity. However, the range faces significant threats from illegal mining, encroachment, and deforestation, leading to environmental degradation.
The Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal have repeatedly intervened to protect the Aravallis, highlighting its importance for the region's ecological balance and water security. This issue is crucial for understanding environmental governance and sustainable development challenges in India.
Key Facts
Aravalli range is one of the world's oldest fold mountains
Crucial for groundwater recharge, biodiversity, and as a barrier against desertification
Over 400 meters above sea level
31 hills disappeared in Haryana
128 hills disappeared in Rajasthan
UPSC Exam Angles
Geographical features and physiography of India (fold mountains, desertification)
Environmental degradation and conservation challenges (mining, deforestation, encroachment)
Role of judiciary and environmental governance (SC, NGT, environmental laws)
Sustainable development vs. economic development conflicts
Biodiversity conservation and ecological services
Inter-state environmental issues and federalism
Visual Insights
Aravalli Range: India's Ancient Green Wall and Degradation Hotspots
This map illustrates the geographical spread of the Aravalli range across four Indian states and highlights its critical ecological role, while also indicating areas prone to degradation from illegal mining and encroachment. The range acts as a natural barrier against desertification from the Thar Desert.
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More Information
Background
The Aravalli range is one of the world's oldest fold mountain systems, dating back to the Precambrian era. It stretches approximately 692 km across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. Geologically, it's a relict of a much larger ancient mountain system.
Ecologically, it plays a vital role as a natural barrier against the eastward spread of the Thar Desert, recharges groundwater, and supports unique biodiversity, including several endemic species. Its forests are crucial for local climate regulation and providing livelihoods.
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Aravalli Range: 1. It is one of the world's oldest fold mountain systems, primarily composed of Precambrian rocks. 2. It acts as a significant barrier preventing the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert. 3. Guru Shikhar, the highest peak of the Aravalli Range, is located in the state of Rajasthan. 4. The range extends across four Indian states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.2, 3 and 4 only
- C.1 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct: The Aravallis are indeed one of the world's oldest fold mountains, dating back to the Precambrian era. Statement 2 is correct: Its geographical position is crucial in checking the spread of the Thar Desert towards the east. Statement 3 is correct: Guru Shikhar, located in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan, is the highest peak. Statement 4 is incorrect: The Aravalli range extends across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi, not Uttar Pradesh.
2. In the context of environmental governance and protection of the Aravalli Range, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has the power to hear all civil cases where a substantial question relating to the environment is involved. 2. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, primarily aims to regulate the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes. 3. The 'Polluter Pays Principle', often invoked by the Supreme Court in environmental cases, implies that the polluter is liable to pay for the damage caused to the environment and to third parties. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct: The NGT Act, 2010, grants the NGT jurisdiction over all civil cases involving substantial environmental questions. Statement 2 is correct: The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, is indeed the primary legislation for regulating the diversion of forest land. Statement 3 is correct: The 'Polluter Pays Principle' is a fundamental principle of environmental law in India, upheld by the Supreme Court, making the polluter responsible for environmental damage and restoration costs.
3. Which of the following is NOT a direct ecological service provided by the Aravalli Range in its current state?
- A.Acting as a natural barrier against desertification.
- B.Recharging groundwater aquifers in the surrounding regions.
- C.Providing a continuous, unbroken wildlife corridor across its entire length.
- D.Supporting a unique biodiversity, including several endemic species.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Options A, B, and D are direct ecological services provided by the Aravallis, as highlighted in the news summary and general ecological understanding. However, due to significant degradation, fragmentation, illegal mining, and encroachment, the Aravalli Range no longer provides a continuous, unbroken wildlife corridor across its entire length. While it still supports wildlife, the corridor function is severely compromised.
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Source Articles
‘No way this is acceptable’: In Rajasthan, protests mount as Aravallis face mining threat | India News - The Indian Express
Daily Briefing: The long and short of the Aravalli Hills row | Live News - The Indian Express
Supreme Court accepted govt’s 100-m Aravalli rule, its own panel had opposed it | Legal News - The Indian Express
Aravalli Hills Controversy and Protest Reason Explained: Aravalli benchmark could have effects beyond mining
The great wall in the North: Why the Aravallis matter | Explained News - The Indian Express