The Aravalli Range Case: A Crisis of Conservation

The Aravalli Range is one of the world's oldest mountains, a critical barrier

against India's desertification. It acts as a vital recharge zone for groundwater, sustaining life across

Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. However, decades of illegal

mining and unchecked construction have pushed this ancient ecosystem to the brink. In 2009,

the Supreme Court of India stepped in, banning mining to protect the remaining

forests and wildlife. Despite these orders, reports highlight persistent violations, raising alarms about

weak enforcement and irreparable loss. Must economic growth come at the cost of environmental

damage? The fate of the Aravallis remains uncertain.