The Aravalli range is Delhi’s shield against the Thar; it is something the SC should have taken note of

The Aravalli range, one of the oldest fold mountains in the world, stretching approximately 692 km across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi, serves as a crucial ecological backbone for Northern India. Its significance extends far beyond its geological age; it acts as a vital natural barrier, protecting the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains, and specifically Delhi, from the arid conditions and dust storms emanating from the Thar Desert. This natural shield is indispensable in maintaining the region's delicate ecological balance, influencing rainfall patterns, groundwater recharge, and providing a green lung for millions.

The recent discourse, highlighted by experts, underscores a critical concern: despite some observed greening in parts of the Thar Desert, this phenomenon is insufficient to halt its overall expansion. This warning is particularly pertinent as it directly implicates the Aravalli range's ability to continue its protective role. The article implicitly criticizes the Supreme Court for potentially not fully appreciating the immense environmental services provided by the Aravallis, especially in the context of ongoing developmental pressures and environmental degradation.

Key stakeholders in this environmental drama include the central and state governments (Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi), whose policies on mining, land use, and urban development directly impact the Aravallis. Regulatory bodies like the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and state forest departments are responsible for conservation and enforcement. The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), plays a crucial role in interpreting environmental laws and issuing directives, often in response to Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed by environmental activists and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Local communities, often dependent on the Aravallis for livelihoods and resources, are both beneficiaries and, at times, unwitting contributors to its degradation. On the other side are powerful mining lobbies and real estate developers, whose economic interests often clash with conservation efforts, leading to illegal mining, encroachment, and deforestation.

The degradation of the Aravallis, primarily due to unchecked illegal mining, deforestation, and rapid urbanization, has severe implications for India. Environmentally, it accelerates desertification, reduces biodiversity, exacerbates water scarcity, and increases the frequency and intensity of dust storms, severely impacting air quality in urban centers like Delhi. Economically, it threatens agricultural productivity, impacts tourism, and imposes significant health costs. Socially, it displaces communities and creates environmental refugees. Politically, it highlights challenges in inter-state environmental governance and the enforcement of environmental laws.

India's constitutional framework provides a strong basis for environmental protection. Article 48A, a Directive Principle of State Policy, mandates the state to 'endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.' Furthermore, Article 51A(g) lists it as a Fundamental Duty of every citizen to 'protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.' The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, are key legislative instruments aimed at safeguarding the environment and forests. Despite these provisions and acts, implementation and enforcement remain significant challenges, often necessitating judicial intervention. The Supreme Court has, through landmark judgments, evolved principles like the 'polluter pays' and 'public trust doctrine' to strengthen environmental jurisprudence.

Historically, the Aravallis have been a barrier against the desert for millennia. However, the pace of degradation in recent decades, driven by population growth and industrialization, is unprecedented. The current situation demands a holistic approach, integrating scientific understanding of desertification with robust policy implementation and strict judicial oversight. Future implications are dire if the Aravallis continue to degrade: Delhi could face more frequent and intense dust storms, increased heat, and severe water stress, potentially transforming its climate. The loss of the Aravallis would not only be an ecological catastrophe but also a significant blow to India's efforts to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land). The call for the Supreme Court to acknowledge the Aravalli's critical role is a plea for proactive environmental governance, recognizing that natural infrastructure is as vital as man-made infrastructure for national well-being and security.