Supreme Court's Orders On Aravali Hills – An Evolving Landscape

Introduction

The Aravali Hills and Range (Aravalis), often described as the 'green lungs' of North Western India, have for centuries sustained diverse ecosystems and supported the livelihoods of numerous communities. The Aravalis serve as the indispensable ecological and socio-economic backbone of the region, functioning as the primary geographical barrier separating the arid North Western desert from the fertile Northern plains.

Historical Context and Judicial Intervention

Owing to its ancient geological formation, the Aravalis host some of the nation's most significant mineral deposits. Despite their historical and environmental significance, the Aravalis have faced escalating anthropogenic pressures. Decades of unchecked urbanization, systematic deforestation, and intensive resource extraction have exerted immense strain upon this inherently fragile ecosystem.