States Covered By Aravalli Hills: The Aravalli Hills, one of the oldest mountain ranges have sparked a major debate in late 2025, drawing people’s attention, as environmentalists are raising an alarm over their rapid destruction. These hills filter dust-laden winds, balance the climate, while quietly hosting species like foxes, leopards and rare birds. However, uncontrolled mining, deforestation, and land-use changes have caused severe ecological damage.
Environmental experts are warning that if the Aravalli continues to shrink, states like Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana and cities like Delhi-NCR may face worse air pollution, reduced rainfall, rising heat waves, groundwater loss and frequent dust storms. This is why the range is now at the centre of debate, protest, and conservation planning. Aravalli stretches across Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi NCR, playing a unique environmental role in each region.
These hills protect forests while recharging water beneath the surface, holding back dry expansion while giving life space to thrive. Seeing their role across regions makes clear that protecting them isn't a choice - but a need to stay alive.
Rajasthan: Largest Stretch Of Aravalli Hills
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States that are touched by the Aravalli Hills (Image: Canva)
Rajasthan is important to the climate and soil protection of the state because it has the largest area of the Aravalli range. It spans 550 km and more than 19 districts, making up around 9.3% of the state's total land area.
Ecological Benefits:
* Stops the Thar Desert from expanding
* Helps maintain groundwater levels in dry districts, as the Sabarmati and Banas rivers originate here
* Supports rich wildlife, including leopards and rare birds
* Reduces heat intensity and dust storms
Gujarat: Major Green And Water Source Region
The Aravalli hills, which support river networks and aid in agriculture, stretch into northern Gujarat. It includes the southern districts of Faridabad, Nuh, and Gurugram. A high-density forest region of about 200 square kilometres is suggested by recent surveys.
Ecological Benefits:
* Prevents soil erosion and improves soil fertility
* Stabilises rainfall pattern in arid zones
* Major rivers like the Sabarmati and Luni pass through here
* Protects villages from desert winds
Haryana: Air And Groundwater Protector
Haryana's Aravalli regions, particularly those close to Gurugram and Faridabad, are essential for maintaining environmental equilibrium. The hill is primarily located in the northeastern districts of Sabarkantha and Banaskantha.
Ecological Benefits:
* Controls air pollution and absorbs carbon
* Helps prevent dust storms from desert regions
* Aravalli originates Sahibi rivers, which pass through Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi
* Recharges groundwater used by NCR cities
* Provides habitat to animals and birds
Delhi NCR: Natural Air Purifying Barrier
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Ecological importance of Aravalli hills (Image: Canva)
Delhi depends heavily on the Aravalli range to maintain breathable air quality. It encompasses about 7,777 hectares (~78 sq. km) of the capital's protected woodland area. Important sites include the Aravalli Biodiversity Park in South Delhi, which is close to JNU, Vasant Vihar, and Vasant Kunj. The Aravalli Hills stretch into Delhi as the Delhi Ridge.
Ecological Benefits:
* Reduces pollution levels and heat waves
* Prevents desert sand movement towards Delhi
* Acts as lungs for the NCR region
* Supports urban biodiversity and greenery
What does the Environment Minister say on the Aravalli Hills Debate?
According to the Union Minister for Environment and Forests, Shri Bhupendar Yadav, people are misunderstanding the government's commitment to conserve 90% of the Aravalli hills. "There is no relaxation on the Aravalli," said Yadav. The gap between the two ranges will also be considered a part of the Aravalli range, and the 100 meters reflects the hill's spread from top to bottom.
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%.