What is the Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges, Download Supreme Court’s Official Order
The Aravalli has been in the news recently, and a lot of controversy is going on related to the hills. The Aravalli Hills controversy refers to the long-running dispute over illegal mining, construction, deforestation, and environmental damage in the Aravalli mountain range, especially in Haryana, Rajasthan, and parts of Delhi NCR. Recently, the Supreme Court has given its order, and a lot of controversy has started over it. People fear that the Aravalli might face significant damage due to this new order.
The new order may allow mining and real estate construction in the Aravalli. Mining of stone and minerals continued for years in the Aravalli region, even after the Supreme Court banned mining in many areas. This led to the destruction of hills, forests, and groundwater resources. The Aravallis act as a natural barrier against the Thar Desert and help regulate climate and water systems. Their destruction directly affects millions of people, especially in Delhi NCR.
Official Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges
Aravali Hills: Any landform located in the Aravali districts, having an elevation of 100 metres or more from the local relief, shall be termed as Aravali Hills. For this purpose, the local relief shall be determined with reference to the lowest contour line encircling the landform, as per Para-5.1.1 above. The entire landform lying within the area enclosed by such lowest contour, whether actual or extended notionally, together with the Hill, its supporting slopes and associated landforms irrespective of their gradient, shall be deemed to constitute part of the Aravali Hills.
Aravali Range: Two or more Aravali Hills, as defined above, located within the proximity of 500m from each other, measured from the outermost point on the boundary of the lowest contour line on either side forms Aravali Range. The area between the two Aravali hills is determined by first creating buffers with a width.
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