Supreme Court's Aravalli Rule Sparks Fears of Desertification

The Supreme Court has adopted a new, uniform definition for the Aravalli Hills, classifying them based on an elevation of 100 meters or more above local ground level. This decision, based on a Centre-appointed expert committee's proposal, has triggered significant concern among environmental advocates and experts. The new criterion is expected to disqualify approximately 99% of the Aravalli hills in Rajasthan, stripping them of vital legal protections.

Environmentalists warn that this administrative definition could lead to a severe ecological crisis, threatening the "Green Wall" that shields North India from desertification. The proposed '100-meter rule' is seen as a disconnect from ecological reality, potentially leading to the destruction of these ancient hills. Concerns are particularly high for regions like Gurugram and Faridabad, where the Aravalli aquifers are the sole source of fresh water.

Past reports indicate substantial damage due to illegal mining, with a 2018 report revealing that 25% of the Aravalli range in Rajasthan had been destroyed. The new definition exacerbates fears of renewed plundering, which could obliterate crucial groundwater recharge zones. Experts urge the immediate withdrawal of this criterion to prevent North India from becoming a 'dust bowl.'