With glorious elevations dating back to over 2.5 billion years, the Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain systems in the world and has molded the very face of North India in terms of landscape and ecosystem. But today, these ancient towers are witnessing a slow and steady death due to mining, deforestation, and excessive urbanization. To the question: will anybody stop the slow death of this geological wonder?
Why the Aravallis Matter More Than You Think
The Aravallis straddle climate zones that permit rapid desertification while acting as shields for the Thar from pushing toward the east. The range is important for groundwater recharge and is home to diverse life forms such as leopards, hyenas, and rare bird species. When the chain goes extinct, millions will become victims of water scarcity, a runaway rise in temperature, and severe shifts in climate patterns.
The Grim Reality: Who is Destroying the Aravallis?
The Aravallis have over the years been under attack from illegal mining on a large scale. Legal and illegal stone crushers have been destroying the hills with impunity. While the Supreme Court has ruled several times against mining in the area, violations keep occurring. According to the report of CAG, 31 hills out of 128 have completely disappeared in the Aravalli range of Rajasthan. Yes, entire mountains have disappeared!
Another major factor is deforestation. Urban sprawl in Gurugram and Faridabad is eating into forests, changing green cover into concrete tundra. Real estate development and industries keep encroaching, showing scant respect for the law. The mountains keep being whittled down with every passing year while the authorities look the other way.
Climate and Wildlife: The Collateral Damage
The Aravallis are a crucial climate regulator, helping maintain temperatures in the surrounding regions. As forests disappear, the carbon-absorbing capacity of these hills is plummeting, leading to worsening air pollution in cities like Delhi-NCR. Ever wondered why Delhi’s air quality is getting worse every winter? Look no further than the vanishing Aravallis.
Wildlife is also bearing the brunt. Leopards, which once roamed freely across the range, are increasingly venturing into human settlements due to habitat loss. With deforestation, water sources in the region are drying up, leaving animals stranded and desperate.
Government Policies: Lip Service or Real Action?
Despite several court rulings and environmental laws, enforcement remains weak. Politicians promise conservation measures, yet mining leases continue to be issued. The Haryana government has even tried to alter protected land classifications to facilitate construction. The irony? The government’s own reports highlight the importance of the Aravallis for the region’s ecological balance.
What Can Be Done to Save the Aravallis?
If we don’t act now, future generations might only read about the Aravallis in history books. Here’s what can be done:
- Stronger Enforcement of Mining Bans: Authorities must strictly implement Supreme Court rulings and punish violators with hefty penalties.
- Afforestation Projects: Large-scale tree plantations and rewilding efforts must be initiated to restore lost greenery.
- Citizen Activism: Public pressure and awareness campaigns can push governments to take conservation seriously.
- Sustainable Urban Planning: Cities expanding into the Aravallis must adopt sustainable designs that protect green cover and water sources.
The Final Wake-Up Call
The slow destruction of the Aravallis is a ticking time bomb, one that threatens not just wildlife but also millions of people who depend on these mountains for survival. If immediate action is not taken, we might soon witness the complete disappearance of India’s oldest mountain range. The question is, will we wake up before it’s too late?