Introduction: A Fragile Mountain System Under Pressure
By | Gitanjali Thorat| PR Desk
New Delhi : The Aravalli Range, among the world’s oldest mountain systems, has once again become the centre of a major environmental debate. Stretching across Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat and Delhi-NCR, the Aravallis play a crucial role in preventing desertification, sustaining groundwater levels and maintaining ecological balance. Any policy change affecting this range therefore carries far-reaching consequences.
What Sparked the Controversy
The latest debate was triggered by a reinterpretation of the legal definition of “Aravalli hills” for mining regulations. Environmental groups argue that redefining hill criteria could potentially exclude certain low-lying but ecologically significant areas from protection, raising fears that mining activity may expand in zones earlier considered restricted.
Centre’s Clarification on Mining Policy
The Union government has maintained that the revised definition is meant only to remove regulatory ambiguity. According to the Environment Ministry, the move does not open the floodgates for mining and applies strictly to lease classification. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has reiterated that no new mining leases will be issued until a detailed, science-based sustainable mining framework is finalised.
Supreme Court and Legal Safeguards
The issue is closely tied to long-standing directives from the Supreme Court of India, which has repeatedly ordered strict action against illegal mining in the Aravallis. While the court has sought clarity to ensure uniform enforcement, experts warn that policy interpretation must not weaken the spirit of environmental protection mandated by earlier rulings.
Environmental Impact and Expert Warnings
Environmentalists caution that mining, even on a limited scale, can disrupt natural drainage, damage forest cover and worsen air pollution in nearby urban belts such as Gurugram and Faridabad. The Aravalli Range also acts as a climate moderator for north-western India, making its preservation critical in the context of climate change.
Public Response and Political Reactions
The controversy has reignited public movements like “Save Aravalli,” with tribal communities, civil society groups and activists voicing strong opposition to any dilution of protections. Opposition parties have accused the Centre of prioritising commercial interests, while the government insists that misinformation is amplifying unfounded fears.
Future Outlook: Protection or Policy Drift?
Environmental experts say the coming months will be crucial for the future of the Aravalli Range. The effectiveness of the government’s assurances will depend on how transparently the sustainable mining framework is drafted and enforced on the ground. Strict monitoring, satellite mapping, zero tolerance for illegal mining, and active involvement of local communities will be key to ensuring that development pressures do not permanently damage this fragile ecosystem. As the debate continues, the Aravallis stand at a crossroads—between ecological preservation and policy reinterpretation.
