Relevance for UPSC: GS-III (Environment, Ecology, Sustainable Development) | Prelims (Indian Geography, Environment)
Source: Supreme Court order (2025); Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change briefings

Context

The Supreme Court (2025) accepted a scientific definition of the Aravalli hills based on an elevation threshold of 100 metres above local relief, following recommendations of a technical committee. This has renewed debate on the ecological protection of the Aravalli Range, one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world.

Why the Aravallis Matter Ecologically

The Aravalli Range performs critical environmental functions:

• Acts as a barrier against the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert
• Supports groundwater recharge in Rajasthan, Haryana and the National Capital Region
• Moderates local climate and dust storms
• Sustains dryland biodiversity, wildlife corridors and seasonal rivers such as Banas, Luni and Sahibi

Key Concerns Raised

• The 100-metre elevation criterion may exclude low hills, ridges and slopes that are ecologically important for groundwater recharge and desert control.
  
• Estimates suggest that only about 8–10% of the traditionally recognised Aravalli landscape meets this elevation threshold, potentially leaving nearly 90% of the region outside stronger protection.
  
• Environmental groups warn this could open large areas to mining, construction and deforestation, weakening Eco-Sensitive Zones.
  
• Likely impacts include loss of wildlife habitats, declining groundwater levels, higher dust pollution, and greater desertification risk in Rajasthan, Haryana and the NCR.

Governance and Policy Implications

• Highlights the tension between scientific mapping and ecological functionality
• Calls for landscape-level conservation, not only peak-based protection
• Underlines the need for inter-State coordination across Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and Gujarat
• Reinforces the importance of sustainable mining plans and restoration

Conclusion

The Aravalli debate shows that ecological value cannot be judged by elevation alone. Effective protection requires integrating scientific criteria with ecosystem services, ensuring development does not undermine a range critical to north-western India’s environmental stability.

Q. The ecological significance of the Aravalli Range includes which of the following?

1. Prevention of desertification in north-western India
2. Groundwater recharge in the Indo-Gangetic Plain’s western margins
3. Support to biodiversity in arid and semi-arid ecosystems

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3