अरावली पर संकट क्यों?😨 | जानिए संपूर्ण जानकारी | Aravalli Controversy Explained | Kumar Gaurav Sir

Summary

The Aravalli mountain range, one of the oldest in the world, plays a critical role in India’s environment, economy, and culture. Spanning 692 km, it helps prevent desertification, mitigates dust storms, recharges groundwater, and supports biodiversity. A recent report proposed controversial changes to its legal definition, potentially excluding vast portions from protection. If Aravalli is destroyed, India would face severe water crises, drought, and ecological collapse. The Aravalli is more than just a mountain range—it is a symbol of India’s cultural identity and a vital shield for its future, making its preservation essential for the nation’s survival.

Takeaways

• 😀 Aravalli is one of India's oldest mountain ranges, dating back to the Precambrian era, unlike the younger Himalayas which are still rising.
• 😀 The Aravalli mountain range spans 692 km, with the majority (550 km) located in Rajasthan.
• 😀 The highest peak of the Aravalli range is Guru Shikhar, located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, standing at 1,722 meters.
• 😀 A recent report by India's Ministry of Environment proposes criteria to redefine which hills belong to the Aravalli range, creating controversy due to potential exclusion of large portions of the range.
• 😀 The report suggests that hills under 100 meters in height and those with gaps greater than 500 meters between them may not be considered part of the Aravalli range, risking reduced legal protection for the area.
• 😀 If the proposed criteria are accepted, it could lead to 90% of the Aravalli in Rajasthan losing its protected status, making it vulnerable to illegal mining.
• 😀 The destruction of the Aravalli would have devastating environmental impacts, including the expansion of the Thar Desert into northern India, increasing desertification.
• 😀 Without Aravalli, storms such as dust storms and extreme heat (Loo) would become more intense and widespread in North India.
• 😀 The Aravalli is a critical source of rivers and groundwater recharge, and without it, India could face severe water shortages.
• 😀 Aravalli's destruction would also lead to a loss in biodiversity, as the region is home to various species of animals and plants that would be endangered by the loss of this ecosystem.
• 😀 The Aravalli range is a cultural and environmental symbol of India, serving as a defense shield against natural threats and preserving the land's greenery and wildlife.

Q & A

What is the Aravalli mountain range, and why is it significant?

The Aravalli mountain range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in India, dating back to the Precambrian era. It is crucial because it acts as a natural barrier, preventing the expansion of the Thar Desert, helps control dust storms, and serves as a source for rivers and groundwater recharge.

How does the Aravalli mountain range differ from the Himalayas?

The Himalayas are a new folded mountain range formed by the collision of tectonic plates, while the Aravalli is an ancient mountain range that has undergone significant erosion over time, making it a residual mountain.

Why is the Aravalli mountain range referred to as a 'residual mountain'?

The Aravalli is called a residual mountain because its height has been significantly reduced due to erosion caused by wind and water over millions of years. This process has broken it down, unlike newer mountain ranges like the Himalayas, which are still rising.

What recent report was presented about the Aravalli range, and what were its main points?

In November 2025, a report by the Ministry of Environment was presented to the Supreme Court in the TA Godavarman case. The report proposed two significant points: hills under 100 meters in height would not be considered part of the Aravalli, and there should not be a gap of more than 500 meters between hills for them to be classified as part of the range.

What is the controversy surrounding the 100-meter rule in the report about the Aravalli?

The 100-meter rule in the report suggests that hills under this height would not be part of the Aravalli range, which could exclude a large portion of the mountain range. This has raised concerns about illegal mining activities and the potential degradation of the region.

What potential environmental consequences could arise if the Aravalli is destroyed?

If the Aravalli is destroyed, it could lead to desertification, increased intensity of dust storms and the Loo (heat waves), reduced water sources, loss of biodiversity, and a weakening of the monsoon system. This would ultimately result in water crises, agricultural decline, and life crises due to the loss of natural resources.

How does the Aravalli prevent desertification in the Thar Desert?

The Aravalli acts as a barrier that prevents the expansion of the Thar Desert by halting the movement of sand. Without the Aravalli, the desert would continue to expand further into North India, worsening desertification.

What role does the Aravalli mountain range play in the water cycle?

The Aravalli plays a crucial role in the water cycle by being a source for many rivers, facilitating groundwater recharge, and ensuring water availability in the region. Without the Aravalli, these water sources would diminish, leading to a severe water crisis.

What impact could the destruction of the Aravalli have on biodiversity?

The destruction of the Aravalli would lead to a decrease in forests and wildlife, weakening biodiversity. This would threaten the habitats of many species that rely on the region for shelter and food.

Why is the Aravalli considered a protective shield for India?

The Aravalli is considered a protective shield because it helps mitigate natural disasters like dust storms, heatwaves, and desertification. Additionally, it plays a significant role in preserving water resources and maintaining ecological balance in the region.