Delhi’s residents might soon face an alarming reality: the Thar Desert steadily advancing towards the National Capital Region. This stark prediction arises from the relentless degradation of the ancient Aravalli hill range, a critical ecological shield for North India. A recent Supreme Court ruling, coupled with ongoing challenges, casts a long shadow over the future of this vital mountain system, potentially bringing the “Thar Desert Will Reach Delhi Soon” prediction to fruition.
The Aravalli’s Indispensable Role
Spanning billions of years, the Aravalli hills represent one of the world’s oldest mountain systems, stretching across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. More than just geographical features, they dictate North India’s climate patterns, sustain rich biodiversity, and act as a crucial barrier against the Thar Desert’s eastward expansion. However, this indispensable natural monument now faces an existential threat, intensified by recent decisions regarding its definition and protection.
The 100-Metre Controversy
The core of the controversy lies in the Union environment ministry’s elevation-based definition, recently accepted by the Supreme Court, recognizing only landforms above 100 metres as Aravalli hills. Conservation experts, like Professor Laxmi Kant Sharma, argue this threshold endangers approximately 90% of the range, particularly in Rajasthan, where much of the terrain lies between 30 and 80 metres. This redefinition, intended to guide sustainable mining, inadvertently jeopardizes vast, unprotected stretches to commercial exploitation.
Unchecked Exploitation and Its Enablers
Despite judicial directives for ‘sustainable mining,’ the Aravalli hills suffer widespread destruction. Experts assert that commercial mining, rather than essential resource extraction, remains rampant, often driven by powerful mafias. The real estate lobby, particularly in the Delhi NCR, seeks to flatten upper Aravalli segments for lucrative developments. Mining mafias target Rajasthan’s zones, and even tourism interests contribute to degradation, highlighting a complex web of economic pressures and administrative laxity.
Looming Climate Catastrophe for North India
The systematic erosion of the Aravallis is already manifesting severe environmental repercussions. With this natural barrier compromised, the Thar Desert’s expansion towards the Delhi NCR becomes inevitable, altering crucial monsoon patterns and exacerbating air pollution crises. Professor Sharma starkly warns of a future where Delhi residents might rely on oxygen cylinders. Projects like the ‘Green Wall’ are deemed insufficient when “nature’s green wall” is being dismantled.
A Holistic Approach for Preservation
Saving the Aravallis requires more than piecemeal measures; it demands a comprehensive, integrated approach. True sustainability must prioritize ecological preservation over short-term commercial gains, advocating for alternative economic models. Crucially, a clear demarcation of the Aravalli range, accurate height mapping via LiDAR survey, and the establishment of a dedicated Aravalli Development Authority involving state chief secretaries and experts are vital to protect this ancient range for future generations.
Disclaimer
This article is based on expert opinions and current reports regarding environmental concerns and policy decisions affecting the Aravalli hills. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice or official statements. Readers are encouraged to seek diverse sources and expert consultations for further information on these complex issues.
Image Credit: Rediff
