Panel tasked with formulating ‘uniform’ definition of Aravallis knew methodology being used was faulty: Report

The Aravalli Range, one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, stretching approximately 692 km across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi, serves as a crucial ecological backbone for North India. It acts as a natural barrier against the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert, plays a vital role in groundwater recharge, supports significant biodiversity, and influences the region's climate. However, for decades, this ecological jewel has faced relentless degradation due to illegal mining, encroachment, deforestation, and rampant urbanization. The lack of a clear, uniform, and legally recognized definition of what constitutes the 'Aravalli hills and ranges' has been a persistent loophole, often exploited by vested interests, hindering effective conservation efforts.

The recent report highlighting that a panel tasked with formulating this 'uniform' definition acknowledged its chosen methodology, based on 'slope and elevation,' was faulty, brings this critical issue back into sharp focus. The committee's admission that this approach could cause 'inclusion and exclusion errors' underscores a fundamental flaw that could either leave vulnerable ecological zones unprotected or bring non-Aravalli areas under conservation regimes, leading to policy paralysis and continued environmental damage. This development is not merely a technical oversight; it reflects a deeper challenge in environmental governance and resource management in India.

**Background Context and Historical Interventions:** The struggle to define and protect the Aravallis is not new. Over the years, environmental activists, local communities, and the judiciary have repeatedly highlighted the ecological significance of the Aravallis. The Supreme Court of India, through various landmark judgments, notably in cases like M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, has intervened to curb illegal mining and protect the range. For instance, in 2002, the Supreme Court imposed a ban on mining in certain parts of the Aravallis, and in 2009, it directed states to identify and demarcate the Aravalli areas. Despite these directives and the issuance of notifications like the Aravalli Notification of 1992 (under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986), which declared certain parts of the Aravalli region as ecologically fragile, a comprehensive, scientifically robust, and universally accepted definition has remained elusive. This ambiguity has allowed for continued exploitation, leading to a significant reduction in forest cover and severe environmental consequences.

**Key Stakeholders:** Several entities are deeply invested in this issue. The **Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)**, along with the **state governments** of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi, are primary stakeholders responsible for policy formulation and implementation. Their **Forest** and **Revenue Departments** are directly involved in land demarcation and management. The **Judiciary**, including the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), acts as a crucial oversight body, often compelling the executive to act. **Expert committees and scientific bodies** are tasked with providing the technical basis for such definitions. **Local communities**, especially tribal populations and farmers dependent on the Aravallis for their livelihoods, are directly affected by both degradation and conservation policies. Lastly, **mining and real estate lobbies** represent powerful economic interests that often exert pressure against stringent environmental regulations.

**Significance for India:** The precise demarcation of the Aravallis is paramount for India's environmental security and sustainable development. Ecologically, the range serves as a vital groundwater recharge zone for states like Haryana and Delhi, supplies raw materials, and supports rich biodiversity. Its degradation directly impacts water security, air quality (especially for the National Capital Region), and the livelihoods of millions. From a governance perspective, a uniform definition would streamline inter-state cooperation, facilitate effective implementation of environmental laws, and enable better land-use planning. Without it, conservation efforts remain piecemeal and vulnerable to legal challenges and political interference.

**Constitutional Provisions and Legal Framework:** The protection of the environment is enshrined in the Indian Constitution. **Article 48A** (Directive Principle of State Policy) mandates that "The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country." Similarly, **Article 51A(g)** (Fundamental Duty) states that it is the duty of every citizen "to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures." Beyond these, critical legislation like the **Environment (Protection) Act, 1986**, the **Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980**, and the **Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972**, provide the legal framework for conservation. The **National Green Tribunal Act, 2010**, established a specialized body to handle environmental disputes. A clear Aravalli definition is essential for the effective application of these laws and constitutional mandates.

**Future Implications:** The acknowledgment of a faulty methodology demands immediate corrective action. If the definition remains flawed or ambiguous, it will perpetuate the ongoing environmental crisis in the Aravallis. This could lead to further ecological destruction, exacerbate water scarcity, increase air pollution, and trigger more judicial interventions. It also hinders India's commitment to sustainable development goals. The path forward requires a robust, scientifically sound methodology, likely involving a multi-criteria approach combining remote sensing, geological surveys, ecological mapping, and extensive ground truthing, along with public consultation. This must be followed by strong political will and inter-state cooperation to implement and enforce the definition, ensuring the long-term ecological health of the Aravallis and the well-being of the populations dependent on them.