Relevance: GS1 (Geography), GS3 (Environment) | Source: The Indian Express, Supreme Court Order

Context

The Aravalli Range, one of the world’s oldest fold mountains, acts as a green barrier protecting Delhi–NCR from desertification, aids groundwater recharge, and supports diverse flora and fauna. Recent changes in the official definition of Aravalli hills and a Supreme Court intervention have triggered ecological concerns.

New Definition & Supreme Court Action

• An expert committee’s new criteria: any landform in Aravalli districts with ≥100 m elevation from local relief, and clusters within 500 m proximity, will be classified as Aravalli.
  
• The Supreme Court has accepted this definition but placed a moratorium on new mining leases until the Centre finalises a Sustainable Mining Management Plan.
  
• Activists warn many lower ridges—crucial for ecology—may fall outside the definition, opening them for mining and construction.
  

Concerns Raised

• Exclusion of low-elevation ridges (<100 m) risks habitat loss, fragmented wildlife corridors, and higher dust-storm vulnerability.
  
• Groundwater recharge zones may weaken, affecting already semi-arid regions of Haryana and Rajasthan.
  
• Potential dilution of protections under the Forest Conservation Act, earlier Aravalli notifications, and regional masterplans.
  

The Balanced Way Ahead

• Adopt a science-based ecological definition, combining elevation, geology, biodiversity value, and hydrology.
  
• Maintain the mining moratorium until detailed, GIS-based Aravalli mapping is completed.
  
• Strengthen restoration of degraded ridges, enforce land-use rules, and promote community-led conservation.
  
• Align long-term planning with SDG 15 (Life on Land) and NCR’s air-quality, water-security needs.
  

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Aravalli Range:

1. The Supreme Court has imposed a temporary ban on new mining leases in Aravalli districts.
   
2. The Aravalli Range lies entirely in Rajasthan and does not extend into Gujarat.
   
3. The newly accepted definition identifies hills with 100 m elevation from local relief as Aravalli formations.
   

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)