Archive · 25 May 2025
Haryana to Define Aravalis, Height a Key Factor?
The Haryana government is working on how to define the Aravali hills, which are important for the environment.
They are considering using a height measurement, like how tall the hills are compared to the land around them.
This is because the Supreme Court wants to protect these hills.
Some experts worry that using height as a key factor might not protect all the important parts of the Aravalis, like smaller hills that help with water and wildlife.
The government is taking advice from different experts and will give their plan to a special group.
The goal is to protect these hills, which help stop the desert from spreading and provide water, but also consider the development happening in the area.
Haryana is developing criteria to define the Aravalis, as ordered by the Supreme Court.
A height benchmark is under consideration, possibly 100 meters above the surrounding terrain.
Experts are concerned that a height-based definition might exclude key parts of the ranges.
The final criteria will be submitted to a technical sub-committee chaired by the FSI director-general.
The Aravalis are crucial for groundwater recharge and act as an ecological barrier.
- Who
- Haryana government, Supreme Court, environmental experts
- What
- Haryana is finalizing criteria to define the Aravalis, potentially using a height benchmark.
- When
- Discussions ongoing; guidelines to be submitted this month
- Where
- Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat
- Why
- To provide a uniform definition as ordered by the Supreme Court and for conservation efforts.
Environmental Protection Advocates
Haryana Government
Definition of Aravalis
Environmental Protection Advocates
Environmental groups believe that a height-based definition could exclude vital parts of the Aravalis. They want a more inclusive and ecologically sound system for defining the area.
Haryana Government
The Haryana government is considering a height benchmark, which might be useful for defining and protecting the Aravalis.
Classification System
Environmental Protection Advocates
Environmental organizations are urging the Haryana government to adopt an inclusive, ecologically sound classification system.
Haryana Government
The government aims to finalize the criteria and submit it to a technical sub-committee.
- Supreme Court Directive
- Directed Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Gujarat to define Aravalis.
- Proposed Criteria
- Relative height benchmark of 100 meters from surrounding geographical base.
- Involved Parties
- Haryana government, Union environment ministry (MoEF), Delhi, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
- Ecological Importance
- Serve as an ecological barrier and groundwater recharge zone.
- Expert Concerns
- Height cutoff could exclude significant portions of the ranges.
- Rajasthan's Past Plan
- Proposed elevation cutoff, but was for mining purposes.