New Aravalli definition sparks concern in Himalayan states; experts warn of climate risks & rapid glacier melting
The Supreme Court's approval of a new definition for the Aravalli Range has sparked debate. Experts and environmentalists warn that excluding smaller hills from protection could increase mining, worsen air pollution, and even threaten Himalayan glaciers already under stress from climate change.
Dehradun: The Aravalli mountain range, one of India’s oldest and most important natural barriers, is at the center of a growing controversy. In November, the Supreme Court approved a new definition for the Aravalli Range based on recommendations from a central government committee.
Under this definition, any landform rising 100 meters or more above the surrounding ground will be considered part of the Aravalli Hills. Additionally, two or more hills located within 500 meters of each other will also be considered part of the range.
Government has banned new mining leases in the region
While the government has banned new mining leases in the region, environmentalists fear that this new definition will exclude many smaller hills below 100 meters in height. They argue that this could open the door for mining, construction, and other commercial activities in areas that were previously protected.
Concerns from experts
Geologist Professor SP Sati explained that the Aravalli Range plays a crucial role in maintaining climate and environmental balance. The hills act as a natural barrier, limiting the spread of desert areas and blocking winds that carry sand and dust from west to east.
"If these hills are weakened, desert expansion, rising temperatures, and changes in rainfall patterns could follow,” Professor Sati said. He warned that the weakening of the Aravalli Range would allow winds to carry sand and dust unhindered, worsening air quality and increasing pollutants like PM 2.5. This could pose serious health risks to millions of people in North India.
Impact on the Himalayas
Professor Sati also highlighted the possible impact on the Himalayan region. Dust and sand from the Aravalli could travel eastward and settle on Himalayan glaciers. This dust layer would absorb more sunlight, accelerating glacier melting. For glaciers already under threat from climate change, this could be extremely dangerous.
Himalayan states have already seen rapid changes in weather cycles
Uttarakhand and other Himalayan states have already seen rapid changes in weather cycles in recent years. High-altitude regions have reported reduced snowfall, pointing to environmental imbalance. Experts believe that increased human activity in the Aravalli Range could worsen this crisis.
Limited impact on rainfall in Uttarakhand
Professor Sati clarified that the direct impact of the Aravalli Mountains on rainfall in Uttarakhand will be limited, since the state’s monsoon is mainly influenced by winds from the Bay of Bengal. However, he stressed that on a broader scale, weakening the Aravalli Range could disturb the climate, temperature, and environmental balance across North India.
Environmentalists raise alarm
Environmentalists across the country have launched the #SaveAravali campaign, demanding stronger safeguards. They argue that the new definition could weaken protection for the range and lead to irreversible damage. The Aravalli is not only important for Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, but also for the Himalayan ecosystem.
The haze from forest fires, rising pollution levels, and erratic weather patterns in Uttarakhand already show how fragile the environment has become. Experts believe that tampering with the Aravalli Range could add another layer of risk.
Government stance
The central government has banned new mining leases, but critics say this is not enough. They fear that excluding smaller hills from the definition will still allow commercial exploitation. Internal debates continue, with states and environmental groups pressing for a rethink.
This range protected North India from desertification for centuries
The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain systems in the world. It has protected North India from desertification for centuries. Weakening its protection could have far-reaching consequences, from worsening air pollution in Delhi to accelerating glacier melt in the Himalayas.
Experts believe that protecting the Aravalli Range is not just about a few states—it is about safeguarding the climate and environment of North India as a whole. They call for serious rethinking of the new definition and stronger environmental safeguards to ensure that development does not come at the cost of ecological balance.