Aravallis at Risk: How a Policy Loophole Threatens India’s Oldest Mountain Range

 The Aravalli Range, one of the world’s oldest mountain systems, has stood as a natural shield for millions—protecting North India from desertification, supporting wildlife, recharging groundwater, and maintaining ecological balance. But today, this ancient range faces an unprecedented threat. A new policy that exempts hills under 100 metres from mining regulations has opened the doors for widespread exploitation—placing nearly 90% of the Aravallis at risk.

This policy loophole has empowered illegal miners, who can now flatten hills just enough to bring them under the 100m threshold and continue operations with little to no oversight. What remains is not development, but destruction—vanished hills, plummeting groundwater levels, shrinking forests, and rising pollution.

The consequences extend far beyond biodiversity loss. The Aravallis act as a critical green barrier preventing the Thar Desert from advancing toward Delhi-NCR. Weakening this shield means worsening air quality, intensifying heatwaves, and an ecological collapse that could impact millions.

Instead of short-term political gains, India needs long-term vision—stronger laws, better enforcement, and public accountability. The Aravallis deserve protection, not policies that make them vulnerable.