The Aravallis, India’s oldest hills, don’t get in the way of progress. They pay for it

The Aravalli Range, one of the world's oldest fold mountains, stands as a silent sentinel over India's north-western plains, a geological marvel that predates even the mighty Himalayas. Spanning approximately 692 km across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi, with its highest peak Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, at 1,722 meters, this ancient range is far more than just a collection of hills. It is a critical ecological barrier, a vital water recharge zone, and a biodiversity hotspot that significantly influences the regional climate and prevents the eastward march of the Thar Desert.

However, as the article aptly highlights, these ancient hills are increasingly paying the price for what is termed 'progress.' The background to this crisis lies in the relentless pressure from rapid urbanization, industrialization, and unchecked resource extraction that intensified particularly from the late 20th century onwards. What happened is a systemic degradation driven by illegal mining, quarrying, and land encroachment, transforming pristine landscapes into barren pits and concrete jungles. This exploitation is not merely localized damage; it reflects a broader failure in environmental governance, where short-term economic gains often override long-term ecological sustainability.

Several key stakeholders are intricately involved in this complex issue. The **Central and State Governments** (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, state mining departments, urban development bodies) are primary actors, responsible for formulating and enforcing environmental laws. Their policies and enforcement mechanisms, or lack thereof, directly shape the fate of the Aravallis. The **mining industry and real estate developers** represent powerful commercial interests, often lobbying for relaxed regulations or engaging in illegal activities for profit. **Local communities**, including indigenous groups, are directly affected by the degradation, losing access to resources, facing water scarcity, and suffering health impacts from pollution. **Environmental activists and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)** play a crucial role in advocating for protection, conducting research, and filing Public Interest Litigations (PILs). Finally, the **Judiciary**, particularly the Supreme Court and various High Courts, has frequently intervened, issuing landmark judgments to curb illegal mining and protect the Aravallis, underscoring the failure of executive enforcement.

The significance of the Aravalli crisis for India is profound. Ecologically, its continued degradation threatens unique biodiversity, disrupts critical water cycles, and exacerbates desertification, directly impacting the livelihoods of millions. For instance, the Aravallis are crucial for groundwater recharge for Delhi-NCR, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan; their destruction leads to severe water scarcity. From a climate change perspective, the range acts as a 'green lung' and a natural air filter for the heavily polluted NCR region. Its loss weakens India's resilience against climate impacts. Economically, while mining offers immediate revenue, the long-term costs in terms of ecological services, health impacts, and loss of potential eco-tourism far outweigh these gains. Politically, the issue highlights deep-seated challenges in environmental governance, including inter-state coordination (as the range spans multiple states), regulatory capture, and the struggle to balance development with conservation.

Historically, while human interaction with the Aravallis is ancient, the scale of exploitation escalated dramatically with modern industrial demands. The legal framework for environmental protection in India began strengthening in the 1970s and 80s. Key constitutional provisions underscore India's commitment: **Article 48A** of the Directive Principles of State Policy mandates the state to 'endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country.' Similarly, **Article 51A(g)** imposes a Fundamental Duty on every citizen 'to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.' Relevant legislation includes the **Environment (Protection) Act, 1986**, the **Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980**, and the **Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act)**. The establishment of the **National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2010** was a significant step towards expeditious environmental justice.

The future implications are stark. If the current trajectory continues, the Aravallis risk irreversible ecological collapse, leading to intensified water crises, increased dust storms, and a significant decline in regional air quality. This would not only devastate local ecosystems but also severely impact the quality of life in major urban centers like Delhi, Gurugram, and Jaipur. The crisis also serves as a critical test for India's commitment to sustainable development and its environmental pledges on the global stage. It necessitates a paradigm shift towards integrated, science-backed conservation strategies, stringent enforcement of laws, inter-state cooperation, and greater community participation to safeguard this irreplaceable natural heritage for future generations.