30+ Lesser Known Facts About Aravalli Hills: The Aravalli Hills are among Earth’s most ancient mountain ranges, shaping India’s ecological balancing through. Stretching across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi, they stand as a natural shield against deserts and heat. Their presence slows the desert’s impact, calming harsh weather swings. Though now few people are noticing, it starts to vanish due to mining, construction, deforestation and urban expansion.
Many people are still unaware of how old these mountains are and how they perfectly balance the environment. Right now, environmentalists, scientists, and citizens are speaking up - trying to shield the Aravallis before harm goes too deep. Understanding their history, hidden facts, and the current issues is crucial to realising why saving the Aravalli Hills is not just an environmental need but a necessity for human survival.
Why Aravalli Hills Is In The Spotlight And Why Environmentalists Are Raising Alarm?
-1766391897710.jpg)
Lesser Known Facts about Aravalli Hills ranges (Image: Canva)
On 20 November, the Supreme Court established a uniform definition for the Aravalli hills and ranges to resolve a long-running case related to illegal mining and environmental protection. According to this definition, any landform in designated districts rising 100 meters or more above the local relief. The court also orders to freeze all kinds of mining across all states touching the Aravalli ranges that are Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Delhi-NCR.
Why Environmentalists Are Raising an Alarm?
This rule outraged people and environmentalists across the country, saying that 90% of the Aravalli hills are lower than 100 meters in height, and by this law, it will increase mining, construction, which will destroy the Aravalli and will impact the area surrounding it. It will lead to faster desertification, excessive heat and climate-related issues around its region.
However, the Union Minister for Environment and Forests, Shri Bhupendar Yadav, clarifies that the government is committed to protecting 90% of the Aravalli hills, and people are misinterpreting it. Yadav Said, "There is no relaxation on the Aravalli. The 100 meters represents the hill's spread from top to bottom, and the gap between the two ranges will also be regarded as a part of the Aravalli range.
Yadav also added, "Mark my word, the total Aravalli region is almost 1.47 lakh square kilometres, but Mining is only permitted on about 217 square kilometres, or about 2%.
Key Points;
• The Aravalli Hills' natural structure is being destroyed by illegal mining and stone quarrying, which is causing land degradation and a decline in biodiversity.
• The rapid urbanisation of the Delhi-NCR area has resulted in extensive deforestation, upsetting groundwater recharge zones and wildlife corridors.
• The Thar Desert is spreading eastward due to the destruction of the Aravallis, which serve as a natural barrier against desertification.
• Environmentalists caution that northern India's climate stability, water availability, and air quality are all directly impacted by damage to the hills.
30+ Lesser-Known Facts About Aravalli Hills
-1766391912872.jpg)
Unknown Facts about Aravalli Hills (Image: Canva)
History and Geography of Aravalli Hills
1. The Aravalli range is over 1.5 billion years old.
2. It is older than the Himalayas by millions of years.
3. These hills existed before the Indian plate collided with Asia.
4. They are among the world’s oldest fold mountains.
5. The range stretches about 800 km across western India.
6. It passes through Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.
7. Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu is the highest peak.
8. The hills gradually slope instead of rising sharply.
Ecological Importance of Aravalli Hills
9. The Aravallis prevent the spread of the Thar Desert.
10. They help regulate temperature in nearby regions.
11. The hills support dry deciduous forests.
12. They act as a major groundwater recharge zone.
Climate, Wildlife And Biodiversity
-1766391925979.jpg)
Facts about Aravalli Hills (Image: Canva)
13. Leopards are found in parts of the Aravallis near Delhi.
14. The range supports over 300 plant species.
15. Many medicinal plants grow naturally here.
16. Several endangered bird species depend on the region.
17. Rivers such as Luni, Sabarmati, Sahibi and Banas originate from the Aravalli range.
18. The hills help retain monsoon moisture.
19. They reduce dust storms in North India.
20. Loss of hills increases heatwaves in NCR areas.
Human Impact and Threats to the Aravalli Ranges
21. Mining has flattened large hill sections.
22. Construction has blocked the natural water flow.
23. Forest cover has reduced drastically in recent decades.
24. Illegal land encroachment is a major issue.
Cultural and Geological Facts about the Aravalli Hills
25. The Aravallis contain some of the oldest rocks on Earth.
26. Ancient civilisations used these hills for minerals.
27. The range is rich in copper and zinc deposits.
28. Many forts and temples were built using Aravalli stones.
ALSO READ: Why Is Supreme Court’s New Definition Of Aravali Hills Facing Backlash? Activists Speak Out
Aravalli's Conservation and Awareness
29. The Supreme Court has issued orders to protect the Aravallis.
30. Several areas are marked as eco-sensitive zones.
31. Local movements are working to restore forests.
32. Saving Aravallis helps protect future water security.