Why in the News?
- On 20 Nov 2025, the Supreme Court approved the government’s definition of Aravalli Hills as any hill 100 m or higher above local ground.
- Problem: This definition excludes 90% of Aravalli hills, making them open for mining and construction.
Background
- The Aravalli Range runs from Delhi to Gujarat through Haryana and Rajasthan.
- It is oldest fold mountains in India and plays a key role in ecology, dust control, groundwater, and wildlife corridors.
- In 2024, the SC asked the government to create a uniform Aravalli definition.
FSI’s Warning
- Lower hills (20–100 m) act as natural windbreaks, blocking sand and dust from Thar desert.
- Removing protection risks:
- Higher air pollution in NCR
- Loss of wildlife corridors
- Impact on agriculture and farmer livelihoods
| If there were no Himalayan ranges, what would have been the most likely geographical impact on India? (2010)
1. Much of the country would experience the cold waves from Siberia. 2. Indo-gangetic plain would be devoid of such extensive alluvial soils. 3. The pattern of monsoon would be different from what it is at present. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 The profound geographical and ecological functions of a major mountain range, which directly parallels the catastrophic risks associated with losing the Aravallis. |
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