Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Aravallis face severe ecological threats from encroachments, illegal mining
The Aravalli Range, one of the oldest mountain systems, is facing serious problems.
People have been cutting down trees, mining illegally, and building cities, which has hurt the environment.
This has made the air worse, reduced groundwater, and harmed wildlife.
A study by the Sankala Foundation found that these activities have also made it harder for the Aravallis to protect the land from turning into desert.
The study suggests a plan to fix these problems by working with local communities and using science to restore the area.
They are testing this plan in four villages in Gurugram.
The study also found that many plants that shouldn't be there are taking over, and people rely heavily on groundwater for farming, which is making the problem worse.
Encroachments, deforestation, and illegal mining in the Aravallis have severely impacted groundwater recharge, biodiversity, air quality, and climate regulation.
The study, conducted by Sankala Foundation, adopted an integrated approach to ecological restoration, linking environmental sustainability with biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
The Aravalli Range, spanning four states and 29 districts, is under severe threat due to deforestation, unsustainable land use, and widespread land degradation.
The study found that forest patches in the project area are highly degraded, fragmented, and invaded by species like Prosopis juliflora and Lantana camara.
The study aims to create a replicable eco-restoration framework that integrates scientific analysis, community participation, and adaptive governance.
- Who
- Sankala Foundation, Embassy of Denmark in India, Haryana State Forest Department
- What
- Study on ecological degradation in the Aravalli Range
- When
- Report launched on Wednesday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Aravalli Range, spanning four states and 29 districts, including Gurugram
- Why
- To address ecological degradation and create a replicable eco-restoration framework
- Study Conducted By
- Sankala Foundation
- Support Provided By
- Embassy of Denmark in India and Haryana State Forest Department
- Critical Ecosystem
- Aravalli Range
- Impacted Areas
- Sariska and Bardod Wildlife Sanctuaries
- Key Threats
- Deforestation, illegal mining, urban infrastructure expansion
- Pilot Area
- Four villages in Gurugram's Aravalli belt
- Invasive Species
- Prosopis juliflora, Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus
- Groundwater Reliance
- Complete reliance for irrigation in project area