Aravalli Range: Geological Legacy, Ecological Significance

Syllabus: Indian Geography (UPSC Prelims)

Basic Facts

• One of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, dating back over 2.5 billion years (Proterozoic).
• Extends about 700–800 km from Delhi–Haryana through Rajasthan to Gujarat.
• Forms part of the Aravalli–Delhi Orogenic Belt and the Indian Shield.
• Highest peak: Guru Shikhar¹ (1,722 m), Mount Abu region, Rajasthan.

Geography & Ecology

• Acts as a barrier preventing desertification, slowing the eastward spread of the Thar Desert.
• Recognised as an eco-sensitive zone with rich biodiversity, including habitats for leopards, hyenas, jackals, caracal, and the Indian wolf.
• Hosts protected areas like Sariska Tiger Reserve, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, and Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Important wildlife corridors:
  • Northern Aravalli Leopard Corridor (Delhi–Haryana belt)
  • Southern Aravalli Leopard Corridor
  • Great Green Wall of India concept zone

Hydrology

• Important watershed for northwestern India.
• Gives rise to the Banas, Sahibi, and Luni rivers.
• Supports water recharge for Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

Mineral Resources

• Rich in marble, granite, mica, and metallic ores such as copper, zinc, and lead.

Biodiversity Highlights

• Diverse vegetation from dry deciduous to scrub forests.
• WII surveys record species like leopards, golden jackals, nilgai, civets, porcupines, and peafowl.
• Increasing need for wildlife corridor protection due to habitat fragmentation.

Historical & Cultural Significance

• Contains ancient forts, settlements, and archaeological sites.
• Historically influenced regional settlement patterns, trade routes, and defence structures.

Environmental Challenges

• Deforestation, overgrazing, and illegal mining causing habitat degradation.
• Groundwater depletion and soil erosion increasing due to unregulated extraction.
• Urbanisation pressure around Delhi–NCR and parts of Rajasthan and Haryana.
• Pollution affecting water bodies and forest patches.

Judicial & Institutional Role

• Supreme Court and NGT have issued major directives restricting mining and construction in Aravalli.
• MoEF&CC notified several protected zones for conservation.
• Central Empowered Committee (CEC) monitors violations.
• Conservation efforts include afforestation, wildlife corridor protection, and illegal construction removal.

1. Question Reference
   (HPAS PYQ 2025) ↩︎