Minister should clarify number of hills in Aravalli Range per new definition, urges Aravalli Virasat Jan Abhiyaan

The Aravalli Range, one of the oldest fold mountains in the world, stretching approximately 692 km from Gujarat through Rajasthan and Haryana to Delhi, stands as a vital ecological backbone for Western India. Its significance extends beyond its geological age; it acts as a natural barrier against desertification from the Thar Desert, recharges groundwater for a vast region including the Delhi-NCR, and harbors crucial biodiversity. However, this ancient range has been under immense pressure for decades due to illegal mining, encroachment, and unchecked urbanization, leading to significant ecological degradation.

The recent demand by the 'Aravalli Virasat Jan Abhiyaan' coalition for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to clarify a 'new definition' of Aravalli hills is a critical development. The coalition's concern stems from the fear that any redefinition could potentially exclude certain ecologically sensitive areas from protected status, thereby opening them up for exploitation. Their call for immediate consultations with rural and urban communities across Aravalli districts in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana underscores the democratic principle of participatory governance in environmental decision-making. Historically, changes in land classification or definitions have often been a precursor to increased development activities, sometimes at the cost of the environment.

Key stakeholders in this issue include the 'Aravalli Virasat Jan Abhiyaan' itself, which represents a broad coalition of environmental activists, local communities, and non-governmental organizations acting as watchdogs for the Aravallis. The MoEFCC is the primary government body responsible for environmental policy, protection, and regulation, making its role central to this clarification. State governments of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana are also crucial as they are responsible for land use, mining leases, and local enforcement. Local communities are directly impacted, relying on the Aravallis for water, livelihoods, and a stable environment. Lastly, real estate and mining lobbies often exert pressure for policy changes that favor economic development over environmental conservation.

This issue holds profound significance for India. Ecologically, the Aravallis are a 'green lung' and a critical water tower for millions, including the densely populated Delhi-NCR region. Their degradation exacerbates water scarcity, increases air pollution, and accelerates biodiversity loss. From an environmental governance perspective, this situation highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing development needs with environmental protection. It tests the government's commitment to sustainable development and the effectiveness of its regulatory frameworks. Socially, the livelihoods and cultural heritage of indigenous communities intertwined with the Aravallis are at stake. Economically, while short-term gains from mining and construction are evident, the long-term costs of ecological damage, such as health issues, water treatment, and climate change impacts, far outweigh them.

The historical context of Aravalli protection is marked by judicial interventions and legislative efforts. The Supreme Court has, on multiple occasions, intervened to halt illegal mining and protect the range, notably in cases related to forest land definitions, which often extended protection to areas not officially notified as forests (the 'deemed forest' concept, post-T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India, 1996). This judicial activism has often been a bulwark against environmental degradation where executive action fell short. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, are key legislative tools designed to protect such ecosystems, alongside the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, which governs extractive industries.

Constitutional provisions underpinning environmental protection in India are vital. Article 48A, a Directive Principle of State Policy, mandates that 'the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.' Furthermore, Article 51A(g), a Fundamental Duty, states that 'it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.' These articles provide a constitutional mandate for environmental conservation, guiding government action and citizen responsibility.

Looking ahead, the future implications are significant. A clear, scientifically robust, and inclusive definition of the Aravalli range, developed through genuine public consultation, is essential. Any definition that dilutes protection could lead to irreversible ecological damage, intensify climate change impacts in the region, and spark further legal challenges and public protests. Conversely, a strong protective framework, coupled with effective enforcement, offers a path towards sustainable development, ensuring the ecological integrity of the Aravallis for future generations. This issue also connects to broader themes of federalism (centre-state cooperation), land-use planning, and the role of civil society in democratic governance.