Why the Aravallis Are Too Precious to Lose
Ritika | Jan 03, 2026, 12:41 IST
The Aravalli
Image credit : Freepik
The Aravalli Hills are North India’s shield against the desert and a vital source of groundwater. Following recent Supreme Court discussions on hill protection, this article explores why these ancient ranges are important, the hidden risks of losing them, and how their presence directly impacts our air, water, and future.
The Aravalli Hills are the guardians of North India, acting as a wall against the desert and a reservoir for our water. Recently, the Supreme Court of India got into a heated debate regarding how these hills are defined. In November 2025, a ruling suggested only landforms above 100 meters should be officially called "hills." However, realizing that this might leave smaller but equally important hillocks unprotected, the Court has recently put that decision on hold.
Nature’s Great Barrier
The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain systems in the world, stretching nearly 700 kilometers from Gujarat through Rajasthan and Haryana, ending right in the heart of Delhi. While they may not be as tall as the Himalayas, they are just as important. They act as a "Great Wall" that stops the Thar Desert from expanding into the fertile plains of North India. Without these hills, places like Delhi, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh could slowly turn into dust bowls.
Beyond blocking sand, the Aravallis regulate our climate. During the scorching summer, they moderate the heat, and during the monsoon, they help guide rain-bearing clouds. In the winter, they protect the plains from the freezing winds coming from Central Asia. They are the "green lungs" of the National Capital Region, trapping dust and cleaning the air in one of the most polluted zones.
One of the most invisible yet vital roles of the Aravallis is water management. The rocky terrain of these hills is full of cracks and fissures. When it rains, these hills act like a giant funnel, allowing water to seep deep into the ground. This process recharges the "aquifers", the underground water storages that provide drinking water and irrigation for millions of people.
In cities like Gurugram and Faridabad, where the water table is declining at an alarming rate, the Aravallis serve as the primary source of groundwater recharge. If the hills undergo mining or are covered with concrete for buildings, the rainwater will simply run off the surface instead of sinking into the ground. This could lead to a future where our taps run dry, and our farms have no water to grow food.
For decades, the Aravallis have been under attack from illegal mining and rapid urban expansion. Large parts of the hills have already vanished, replaced by deep pits and dusty construction sites. When we lose a hill, we don't just lose a view; we lose a complex ecosystem that supports leopards, hyenas, and hundreds of bird species.
The "cost" of this loss is real and expensive. Without the hills to block dust storms, air quality will worsen, leading to higher healthcare costs. Without natural water recharge, the government will have to spend billions on bringing water from distant rivers. The recent Supreme Court discussion about the "100-meter rule" is crucial because many ecologically sensitive areas are low-lying. If we only protect the tall peaks and leave the smaller ridges to be mined, the entire "chain" of protection breaks, leading to fragmented forests and more frequent human-wildlife conflicts.
The story of the Aravallis is that of a struggle between immediate profit and long-term survival. Mining provides stones for our roads and buildings, and urbanization provides homes for a growing population. However, the recent court intervention reminds us that development cannot come at the cost of the very environment that keeps us alive.
The goal isn't to stop all progress but to ensure that the "backbone" of North India remains intact. Whether a hill is 20 meters or 200 meters tall, its role in stopping the desert and saving water remains the same. A neutral, scientific approach that looks at the hills as a living system, rather than just a source of raw material, is the only way to ensure that future generations can also breathe clean air and have enough water to drink.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Spiritual, Travel, Life Hacks, Trending, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Nature’s Great Barrier
Aravalli hills
Image credit : Pixabay
The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain systems in the world, stretching nearly 700 kilometers from Gujarat through Rajasthan and Haryana, ending right in the heart of Delhi. While they may not be as tall as the Himalayas, they are just as important. They act as a "Great Wall" that stops the Thar Desert from expanding into the fertile plains of North India. Without these hills, places like Delhi, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh could slowly turn into dust bowls.
Beyond blocking sand, the Aravallis regulate our climate. During the scorching summer, they moderate the heat, and during the monsoon, they help guide rain-bearing clouds. In the winter, they protect the plains from the freezing winds coming from Central Asia. They are the "green lungs" of the National Capital Region, trapping dust and cleaning the air in one of the most polluted zones.
The Underground Water Bank
Water running down the hills
Image credit : Pexels
One of the most invisible yet vital roles of the Aravallis is water management. The rocky terrain of these hills is full of cracks and fissures. When it rains, these hills act like a giant funnel, allowing water to seep deep into the ground. This process recharges the "aquifers", the underground water storages that provide drinking water and irrigation for millions of people.
In cities like Gurugram and Faridabad, where the water table is declining at an alarming rate, the Aravallis serve as the primary source of groundwater recharge. If the hills undergo mining or are covered with concrete for buildings, the rainwater will simply run off the surface instead of sinking into the ground. This could lead to a future where our taps run dry, and our farms have no water to grow food.
The Cost of Losing the Hills
Aravallis
Image credit : Pexels
For decades, the Aravallis have been under attack from illegal mining and rapid urban expansion. Large parts of the hills have already vanished, replaced by deep pits and dusty construction sites. When we lose a hill, we don't just lose a view; we lose a complex ecosystem that supports leopards, hyenas, and hundreds of bird species.
The "cost" of this loss is real and expensive. Without the hills to block dust storms, air quality will worsen, leading to higher healthcare costs. Without natural water recharge, the government will have to spend billions on bringing water from distant rivers. The recent Supreme Court discussion about the "100-meter rule" is crucial because many ecologically sensitive areas are low-lying. If we only protect the tall peaks and leave the smaller ridges to be mined, the entire "chain" of protection breaks, leading to fragmented forests and more frequent human-wildlife conflicts.
Finding a Balanced Future
Aravalli hills
Image credit : Pixabay
The story of the Aravallis is that of a struggle between immediate profit and long-term survival. Mining provides stones for our roads and buildings, and urbanization provides homes for a growing population. However, the recent court intervention reminds us that development cannot come at the cost of the very environment that keeps us alive.
The goal isn't to stop all progress but to ensure that the "backbone" of North India remains intact. Whether a hill is 20 meters or 200 meters tall, its role in stopping the desert and saving water remains the same. A neutral, scientific approach that looks at the hills as a living system, rather than just a source of raw material, is the only way to ensure that future generations can also breathe clean air and have enough water to drink.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Spiritual, Travel, Life Hacks, Trending, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Where are the Aravalli Hills located?
They stretch across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. - What is the issue with Aravali?
The Supreme Court debated a “100-meter rule” for defining hills, which could affect conservation. - Are the Aravallis older than the Himalayas?
Yes, they are among the world’s oldest mountain ranges, predating the Himalayas.